Red Zebra Cichlid

Scientific Name: Metriaclima estherae
Also Known As: Maylandia estherae

The Red Zebra Cichlid is a popular Lake Malawi Mbuna known for its vibrant orange, red-orange, and sometimes yellow coloration. Despite the common name, Red Zebras are not always bright red and may show considerable natural variation in coloration and markings. Most aquarium strains are selected for strong orange-to-red coloration.

Red Zebras are hardy and active African cichlids, but they are territorial and should be housed in a properly designed Mbuna aquarium rather than a peaceful community tank. They are considered relatively robust without being among the most extreme Mbuna for aggression. Appropriate stocking, rockwork, and visual barriers help manage territorial behavior.

Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive / Territorial
Purchase Size: Approximately 1–2 inches
Adult Size: Approximately 5 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 40–55 gallons recommended
Temperature: 75–82°F
pH: 7.6–8.8
Hardness: 10–25 dGH
Diet: Omnivore with substantial vegetable matter
Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa

Recommended Setup: Provide a sand substrate with extensive rockwork arranged to form caves, territories, and visual barriers. Strong filtration and stable, hard, alkaline water are important. Red Zebras are best maintained with appropriately selected Mbuna of similar size and temperament rather than peaceful species such as Peacocks.

Their diet should contain a substantial amount of vegetable matter. Quality African cichlid/Mbuna foods containing spirulina or other algae-based ingredients are appropriate, supplemented carefully with other foods. Excessively rich, meat-heavy diets should be avoided.

Please Note: Red Zebra Cichlids naturally vary considerably in size, sex, coloration, and markings. Individual fish may range from yellow-orange to deeper orange or red-orange, and some populations can produce differently colored males and females. Unless specifically stated otherwise, sex and exact coloration are not guaranteed. The fish you receive may not look exactly like the individual pictured.

All livestock from Felipe’s Fish is carefully selected and prepared for safe transport. Please review our shipping and Live Arrival Guarantee policies before ordering.