There is also a third variant known as "Orange Blotched", these are rare in the wild but popular in the pet trade, they are mottled in colour and both male and females are found with this colour pattern. They are are a bright blue colour, with a hint of barring. While typically both males and females are orange-yellow in colour, a blue morph of the male is also found (typically those collected from the Minos Reef area of Lake Malawi). Males and females are identical in appearance but can be told apart by their egg spots on the hind fins. However, wide varieties can be found with the zebra stripe banding. Instead, they are solid in appearance and often come in variations of blue, pink, yellow, and other colors. Identification A relatively short bodied Mbuna Cichlid which can vary in colour morphs depending on their origin in Lake Malawi. Many red zebra cichlids lack their distinctive stripes. Sand substrate is also preferred as they like to dig their homes out.īehaviour A mid-tempered territorial Mbuna Cichlid. The more caves or hiding places the better. Most people find success in twice a day but only as much as they can eat in two minutes.Įnvironment specifics These are rock dwelling fish and do best in any rocky habitat. Do not give too much protein as the Mbuna are mostly vegetarians and too much protein can cause Malawi Bloat or other problems.įeeding regime Feed like any other Mbuna. size: 13 cm / 5 inches Environment: freshwater Origin: Lake Malawi Mozambique coast Temperament: Aggressive. Can be kept with other similar-tempered Mbuna, but avoid other similar-shaped "Zebra" species, such as Maylandia callainos or Labidochromis caeruleus, as they can hybridise which is undesirable.ĭiet Will graze on algae. Common Names: Cherry Red Cichlid, Red Zebra Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae Order: Perciformes (perch-likes) Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes) Max. They should be considered mid-tempered compared to other Mbuna. Red Zebra Cichlid 4/6CM (Pseudotropheus Zebra) Mbuna Temperament How hard are they to keep What is its maximum size 15cm. Males will be territorial to one another, but arguments rarely involve any serious injuries. Tank compatibility These should be kept in a harem of 1 male to 3-4 females. Female holds for 21-28 days after which the fry are released. Females can range between a brownish beige to an orange. Eggs hatch and the fry are reared in the mother's mouth. In the wild adult males are light blue with dark vertical bands, and have 4-7 egg spots on the anal fin. The female releases the eggs and also hurries to collect the eggs in her mouth, the male has eggs spots in its anal fin to confuse the female to thinking that they are also eggs and hoodwinks the female to collect the sperm in its mouth and fertilization happens in the mouth. Blue variants of the males are also present. Sexing Dimorphic, Females are lighter colour of orange than males. Omnivorous, the Red Zebra will enjoy all manner of flaked foods, live foods, algae, lettuce, spinach, and duckweed in its diet.Additional names Red Zebra Mbuna, Ice Blue Zebra, Cherry Red Cichlid, Orange Blotch Cichlid Additional scientific names Metriaclima estherae, Pseudotropheus estherae Most compatible options are fellow Mbunas, such as Auratus, Pindani, Kenyi, and Red Zebra. The aggression of Blue Zebra Cichlids can cause compatibility problems, so tank mates should be of a similar size and with the ability to defend themselves. A small group of 5 to 7 females and one male provide the best opportunity for breeding. A 50-gallon aquarium or larger is essential. The fry remain in the female's mouth for 12 to 18 days before being released. What size tank does a red devil cichlid need We recommend at least 55 gallons for a single fish. There are many blue colored males and orange colored females. As a polymorphic species, this sexual dimorphism is not always observed. Matriarchal in family structure, the female first lays up to 60 eggs, which she then scoops into her mouth where they are fertilized. In contrast, female Red Zebra Cichlids generally tend to have a stronger blue coloration. Most members of the mouth brooding variety of African Cichlids are easily bred while in the aquarium if given the proper tank set-up and excellent water conditions. A bully by nature, without plenty of room, pyramids, rocks and crevasses to establish territory, Red Zebra will torment other tank mates. Metriaclima estheraeis a Mbuna Cichlid, and is also called the Zebra Cichlid, Tilapia Zebra, and the False Zebra Mbuna. It does not have notable stripes like other varieties of this genus and species. The Red Zebra, although appearing more of a yellow color, is often a brilliant red in the wild. The Red Zebra African Cichlid, Metriaclima estherae, is known by a plethora of other names, often based on color.
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