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Red Zebra Cichlid
Maylandia estherae
📍 Africa - Lake Malawi
The Red Zebra Cichlid is a vibrant, aggressive African cichlid from Lake Malawi known for its striking red coloration and bold personality. This species is popular among experienced aquarists who appreciate its territorial behavior and dynamic social interactions. Red Zebras are hardy fish that thrive in rocky environments and require careful tank mate selection due to their aggressive nature.
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Care Guide
Diet
Red Zebra Cichlids are primarily herbivorous and should be fed high-quality cichlid pellets with vegetable content, supplemented with spirulina-based foods. Offer occasional protein sources such as bloodworms or brine shrimp 1-2 times per week. Feed juveniles 2-3 times daily and adults once daily, providing only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes.
Behavior
Red Zebra Cichlids are highly territorial and aggressive, especially during breeding season. They are active swimmers that constantly patrol their territory and display vibrant colors when establishing dominance. Males are particularly aggressive toward other males and will chase females relentlessly, making them unsuitable for peaceful community tanks.
Breeding
Red Zebras are maternal mouthbrooders that breed readily in captivity when provided with proper conditions. Breeding pairs require a separate tank with rocky caves and stable water parameters; females incubate eggs in their mouths for 2-3 weeks. Provide high-quality food and maintain water temperature at 26-28°C (79-82°F) to encourage spawning.
Tank Mates
Similar aggression levels; may compete for territory but can coexist with careful monitoring
Both highly aggressive; requires large tank with multiple rocky territories to minimize conflict
Comparable aggression and size; can work in larger tanks with adequate space and hiding spots
Nocturnal catfish that occupies different niche; less likely to compete directly for territory
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots covering body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against rocks
Increase temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F), perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt or ich medication; treat for 7-10 days
Malawi Bloat
Abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, lethargy, difficulty swimming, pale coloration
Perform large water changes, improve water quality, feed high-quality herbivore pellets, reduce protein intake; use metronidazole if bacterial infection suspected
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fins, white or black edges on fins, fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication or salt baths; ensure adequate filtration
Hole-in-the-Head Disease
Pits or holes in head region, loss of appetite, behavioral changes, white stringy feces
Improve water quality and perform 50% water changes, enhance diet with quality foods and vitamin supplements, use metronidazole treatment if parasitic infection confirmed
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Quick Facts
- diet
- omnivore - primarily herbivorous with some protein
- lifespan
- 6-10 years
- max size
- 14 cm (5.5 in)
- tank size
- 55 gallons minimum
- temperament
- aggressive
Water it likes
- ph
- 7.5-8.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 10-18 dGH
- temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)