Red Zebra Cichlid

Maylandia estherae

Minimum Tank Size

55+ gal

Temperature

76–82°F

PH

7.6–8.6

Adult Size

4–5 in

Temperament 

Aggressive, territorial Mbuna

Care Difficulty

Intermediate

Diet & Feeding

Offer a high-quality species-appropriate staple plus supplemental foods suited to the fish's natural feeding strategy. Avoid overfeeding and remove uneaten food.

Care Instructions

Maintain stable 76–82°F water and appropriate chemistry. Size the aquarium for adult fish, territorial behavior, swimming room, and biological load.

Flow & Filtration

Use mature biological filtration with good oxygenation and species-appropriate flow. Ammonia and nitrite should remain at zero; manage nitrate with regular maintenance.

Planted Tank Suitability

Plant compatibility depends on digging, grazing, hardness requirements, and aggression. Use hardy attached plants or protected planting where appropriate.

Tank Mate Compatibility

Good Tank Mates
  • Robust Mbuna
  • Synodontis

Use Caution 
  • Peacock Cichlids

Avoid
  • Peaceful Community Fish
  • Discus

Compatibility Notes

Use extensive rockwork and carefully selected Malawi tank mates; avoid timid species.

Breeding Notes

Breeding strategy is species-specific. Provide suitable spawning sites and a dedicated fry plan when breeding is intended.