
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Maylandia estherae
An mbuna endemic to the eastern shore of Lake Malawi, with pale blue males and brown to orange-red females in the wild. Hardy and easy to keep, it is the best-known red African cichlid.
Maylandia estherae is an mbuna endemic to the rocky coast of eastern Lake Malawi, from Chilucha Reef near Metangula to Narungu. FishBase records 7.9cm SL for males and 6.3cm SL for females, while total lengths of 12.7cm for males and 10cm for females are reported. Wild males are pale blue and females brown, though orange-red females and blotched individuals occur at some sites, and the O-morph males of Minos Reef are white-pink with blue in the fins. It grazes algae from rock, so a plant-based diet suits it in captivity. It prefers hard alkaline water at pH 7.5-8.5 and 22-28C, with plenty of rockwork to break up territories. Females are maternal mouthbrooders and carry eggs and fry for about 21 days.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Red Zebra Cichlid lives 5-10 years.
The Red Zebra Cichlid grows to 8-13cm.
The ideal temperature for the Red Zebra Cichlid is 22〜28℃.
Origin
Eastern shore of Lake Malawi, Mozambique side, Africa (endemic)
Lifespan
5-10 years
Size
8-13cm
Sources: FishBase / Wikipedia (aquarium water parameters)
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Maylandia estherae (Konings, 1995)
Synonyms: Pseudotropheus estherae, Metriaclima estherae
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: LC)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
22〜28℃
Spirulina-based prepared foods, frozen foods
FishBase gives a minimum aquarium length of 120cm. Stack rock in layers to provide caves and break sight lines, over a sandy substrate.
22-28C at pH 7.5-8.5. Keep the water hard and alkaline and minimise swings during water changes.
Territorial disputes are severe with congeners and similarly coloured mbuna. Choose tank mates of different colour and pattern and keep one male to several females.
An algae grazer, so feed mainly vegetable matter. Too much animal protein readily causes digestive trouble.
A mouthbrooder. The female holds eggs and fry in her mouth for about 21 days before releasing them.
Colour varies widely between individuals and localities, and some females show little red. In crowded tanks watch for nitrate build-up.
Beginner. This is a beginner-friendly species. No special equipment or experience is required, and it can be kept successfully with basic care setup.
The ideal temperature for Red Zebra Cichlid is 22〜28℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Red Zebra Cichlid is 5-10 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Red Zebra Cichlid typically reaches 8-13cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Red Zebra Cichlid feeds on: Spirulina-based prepared foods, frozen foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Red Zebra Cichlid varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026