Red Zebra Cichlid
Maylandia estherae
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.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–28 |
| pH | 7.5–8.5 |
| GH | 10–20 |
| KH | 10–15 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 1 |
Care
Care notes
Temperature 24–28°C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 10–20. A minimum 200-liter tank is recommended for a group of 3–5 fish. Feed a diet rich in spirulina and vegetables, with herbivore pellets. Avoid excessive meaty foods. Males are very territorial; provide a spacious tank with plenty of rocks. Cohabitation with other robust Mbuna is possible if space is adequate. Weekly 20% water changes are recommended. Strong filtration is necessary to keep the water clean.