Red Zebra Cichlid

Maylandia estherae exhibits spectacular sexual dimorphism: males are sky blue with darker vertical bars, while females are bright orange to red. Both sexes have egg spots on the anal fin. It is a robust and active fish, typical of Mbuna. It is territorial and can be aggressive, especially during breeding. In the wild, it inhabits shallow rocky areas of Lake Malawi. Its diet is primarily herbivorous but accepts occasional prey. In the aquarium, it needs plenty of hiding places and sufficient space to establish a stable hierarchy.