Red Zebra Cichlid
Maylandia estherae
Red Zebra Cichlid (Maylandia estherae) is a freshwater species with an adult-size reference of about 12 cm. It needs at least 200 litres and 4 individuals, with its social and territorial profile taken into account.
Temperatura da água
24 - 28 °C
Valor de pH
7.8 - 8.6
Tipo de água
Água doce
Nível do tanque
Parte inferior e intermediária
Tamanho adulto
12 cm
Volume mínimo do tanque
>= 200 L
Grupo mínimo
>= 4
GH
10 - 25 dGH
KH
5 - 12 dKH
TDS
200 - 495 ppm
Condutividade
313 - 773 uS/cm
Descrição da espécie
Geographical Origin and Habitat: A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Taxonomy and Morphology: The accepted scientific name is Maylandia estherae; the verified classification records genus Maylandia, family Cichlidae, subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae, order Cichliformes. Historical names remain searchable as synonyms rather than separate species.
Social Behavior: Red Zebra Cichlid requires a stable harem with no excess of males. The minimum reference is 4 individuals; sex, maturity and available space can require a more conservative composition. Observe access to food, resting behaviour, chasing and use of shelter. Isolation, persistent competition or aggression means the number, composition or environment needs to be corrected.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Colour and shape can vary with age, sex, physiological state and environmental conditions. Identification and sexing require recognized species-level characters; one appearance or photograph is not enough.
Cuidado, criação e companheiros de tanque
Aquarium Setup: Red Zebra Cichlid needs an aquarium of at least 200 litres, sized for adult body size and a minimum group of 4 individuals. Filtration, shelter and swimming room must match the species and the actual number kept. Volume alone does not make an enclosure suitable: tank shape and length, usable area, oxygenation and the ability to separate territories must reflect adult behaviour.
Diet and Feeding: The recorded diet is omnivorous. Offer appropriately sized foods varied within that category, and adjust quantity and frequency from actual intake, body condition and leftovers. One food or a fixed schedule is not suitable for every age and situation.
Water Quality: Maintain stable, well-oxygenated water appropriate to a freshwater species; the card's reference values are 24–28 °C, pH 7.8–8.6. Verify conditions with reliable tests and size maintenance and filtration to the actual load. Ranges are not automatic thresholds for treatment or rapid chemical correction.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: The cohabitation profile is best kept in a species-focused setup, with a generally aggressive temperament. Keep at least 4 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
Aquarium Breeding: The recorded reproductive profile is “oviparity”. Breeding should be attempted only with healthy adults, separation capacity and a plan for eggs or young. Do not treat unverified triggers, sex ratios or hatch times as universal for this species.
Risks and Diseases: Use a secure cover and close escape gaps. Prevent problems through quarantine of new arrivals, stable water, appropriate feeding and daily observation. Similar signs can have different causes, so check parameters, history and diagnosis before medication. Follow the product label and qualified aquatic-veterinary advice; there is no universal reduced dose for a species or family.
Origem e distribuição geográfica
A freshwater species; the enclosure should provide stability, oxygenation, space and shelter consistent with its behaviour without turning one habitat description into a mandatory recipe.
Origem
Oceanos tropicais e recifesÁfrica e Madagascar
Perfil de peixe
- Temperamento
- Aggressive
- Red Zebra Cichlid has a generally aggressive temperament. Insufficient space, an unsuitable social ratio or incompatible tankmates can substantially change observed behaviour.
- Dieta
- Omnivore
- Their diet must consist largely of high-quality vegetable matter, emphasizing spirulina flakes and blanched greens like spinach. Occasional small portions of crustacean-based foods like mysis shrimp can be offered, but strictly avoid mammalian or heavy meaty proteins. A poor diet will quickly lead to fatal intestinal blockages.
- Expectativa de vida
- 10-12 years
- Tamanho adulto
- 12 cm
- Proporção sexual
- Harem
- Red Zebra Cichlid requires a stable harem with no excess of males. The reference minimum is 4 individuals and must not be read as permission to overcrowd the aquarium.
- Frequência de alimentação
- Twice daily
- Offer small amounts of food once or twice daily to adult specimens, being careful not to overfeed. Their digestive systems are long and adapted for continuous, sparse grazing rather than large infrequent meals. Fasting them for one day a week can be beneficial for their digestive health.
- Carga biológica
- Low to Medium
- This species generates a significant bioload due to its continuous grazing and feeding habits. Powerful canister filters or sump systems are highly recommended to process the large amount of waste produced. Regular substrate vacuuming and substantial water changes are required to maintain a healthy environment.
- Fluxo
- Stagnant
- They thrive in environments with moderate water movement that mimics the oxygen-rich, wave-washed rocky shores of their natural habitat. Ample surface agitation is required to keep dissolved oxygen levels high. Powerheads can be used to ensure there are no dead spots in the aquarium.
- Risco de salto
- Yes
- Red Zebras are prone to jumping when chased by a dominant male or when they are suddenly frightened. A secure, heavy lid is mandatory to keep them safely inside the aquarium. Even small openings for filter tubes should be blocked off.
- Reprodução
- Oviparous
- They are prolific maternal mouthbrooders and will readily spawn in captivity without much intervention. The female lays eggs on a flat rock and quickly scoops them into her mouth, where they are fertilized by the male. The female will incubate the brood for roughly three to four weeks before releasing fully formed fry.
- Compatibilidade e companheiros de tanque
- Species only
- The cohabitation profile is best kept in a species-focused setup, with a generally aggressive temperament. Keep at least 4 individuals; tankmates, stocking density and decor must allow escape, rest and feeding without excessive competition. Watch interactions especially during feeding, maturity and breeding. Persistent chasing, injury or exclusion from food requires a change in stocking or layout, or separation of the animals.
- Nível do tanque
- Middle/Bottom
- These fish predominantly occupy the bottom and middle strata of the aquarium, rarely venturing to the surface unless feeding. They are intimately tied to the rockwork, constantly swimming among the crevices and defending their claimed caves. An extensive rock pile structure is essential for their well-being.
Modelos e parâmetros científicos
FishBase
Acesso aos dados científicos oficiais da espécie
FishBase v25.04Dados sincronizados em: 15/06/2026
- Nível trófico
- 2 ± 0 se
- Resiliência
- Alta (menos de 15 meses)
- Unicidade filogenética (PD50)
- 0.5
- Relação bayesiana comprimento-peso
- a = 0.01445, b = 2.99
- VulnerabilidadeVulnerabilidade baixa (10 / 100)
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