African Cichlid - Red Zebra Cichlid

Scientific Name: Maylandia estherae 

Common Name: Orange Zebra Cichlid, Esther Grant's Zebra, Orange Blue Mouth Breeder

Adult Size: 4 - 5 inches

Life Expectancy: 8 - 10 years

Habitat: Lake Malawi, Africa

Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

Ideal Tank Conditions:

• Temperature Range: 78°F
• pH Range: 7.0 - 8.0
• Water Hardness: 6 - 10

Temperament: Mildly Aggressive

Diet & Nutrition: Red zebras need a high amount of green matter in their diet. Otherwise, they are very prone to developing Malawi bloat which is difficult to treat and often fatal. Feed red zebras with commercial algae wafers, blanched vegetables, or spirulina to avoid any complications. The occasional meaty treat such as mysis shrimp can be given, but use a lot of caution when giving any meaty food.

Breeding & Spawning: Not very difficult. Maternal mouthbrooder. Ideally it should be spawned in a species tank in a harem of one male and at least 3 females, although it will often spawn in the community aquarium. 

Gender: Males and females can be slightly difficult to tell apart depending on the strain. Males can sometimes be distinguished by a lighter color and small flecks of iridescent blues, especially around their gill plates and head.