These fish arenвЂ™t the most aggressive cichlid species, but they are territorial. However, there are basic requirements that must be met while keeping this fish.ДЇirst, a minimum tank size of 55 gallons is required. Red Zebra Cichlids are hardy fish, that is relatively easy to care for.

In contrast, females will have 0-3 egg spots. Once the fish have reached maturity, males will have 4-7 egg spots. There are many blue colored males and orange colored females.ДЄnother way of distinguishing the difference between a male and female Red Zebra Cichlids is by counting the number of egg spots on their anal fins. As a polymorphic species, this sexual dimorphism is not always observed. In contrast, female Red Zebra Cichlids generally tend to have a stronger blue coloration. In general, male Red Zebra Cichlids tend to have a stronger orange coloration. This is because both males and females can come in a variety of colors. Male or Female Red Zebra CichlidsДistinguishing the difference between a male and female Red Zebra Cichlids can be a challenge. Since their name doesnвЂ™t always match their appearance, they are often broadly labeled at local fish stores as вЂњAfrican CichlidвЂќ or вЂњAssorted African Cichlids.вЂќ Ideally, the exact species of the fish should be identified, since there are various species of African Cichlids with different care requirements. These colors can include beige, brown, blue, orange, yellow, and pink. As a polymorphic species, they display a range of different colors. They donвЂ™t always display the stripes either. They are endemic to Lake Malawi, and they can be found along the eastern coast of the lake.Дespite their name, Red Zebra Cichlid they arenвЂ™t always red. Feed baby brine shrimp or powdered dry foods.Red Zebra Cichlids ( Maylandia Estherae) are beautiful rock dwelling African Cichlid species. The female will protect her young until they are large enough to fend for themselves. The fry will remain in the mouth of the female for up to 21 days before being releasing. The female will lay about 40 вЂ“ 60 eggs and then scoop them up into her mouth. Males are able to mate with multiple female partners and for best success keep up to 6 females per male. BreedingД«eing a mouth brooder it is relatively easy to breed in the aquarium. They are also susceptible to a range of other diseases that are common in the aquarium. Feeding more vegetable based foods will eliminate this problem. Malawi bloat is common for the Red Zebra due to an excess of fat and protein. Eating more vegetable based foods like lettuce, zucchini, peas and spinach will help keep Malawi Bloat from occurring. Red ZebraвЂ™s are omnivores, feeding on insects, invertebrates, Spirulina and algae flakes, frozen foods, cichlid flake & pellet food. Suggested tank mates are other Mbuna or Malawi cichlids. They will frequent all areas of the aquarium. This will reduce aggression and also help with breeding. The Red Zebra is best kept with a ratio of 2-3 females per male. Give plenty of room to reduce aggression against other tank mates. BehaviourД«eing more laid back than other MbunaвЂ™s, the Red Zebra is still aggressive towards its own type and also toward other species.

Secure rocks and ornaments down by making sure they are pushed firmly in the substrate. The more the better as they like to dig up their environment. Gravel or sand can be used but make sure to have a minimum of at least 5cm of substrate. Plants like Anubias, Java Fern, Val work well and also plastic plants. This also give the weaker more submissive the ability to hide and take refuge if fighting occurs. Provide plenty of rocks and caves for this fish to hide and play in. Doing water changes of around 30% each week will maintain this if bio-load is struggling. The Red Zebra are sensitive so keeping water quality high is essential to maintaining good health. Females grow slightly smaller than the males up to 4 inches. Females colours range from a light yellow orange to a bright orange red with 0 вЂ“ 3 egg spots on the anal fin. Males growing up to 5 inches, are often bright blue sometimes with light to dark barring and 4 вЂ“ 7 egg spots on the anal fin. The Red Zebra is a Mbuna cichlid and is also know by many other names including Orange Zebra, Cherry Red Zebra, Orange Blue Mouth Breeder, Tilapia Zebra. The Red Zebra Originates from Lake Malawi in Africa.

Baby red zebra cichlid