Red Zebra

The warmer weather that we have all been waiting for is finally here, bringing visions of days spent by the lake. We at Centreville Aquarium have our vision set on the Eastern African Lake Malawi, home to our May Fish of the Month: the Red Zebra Cichlid(Metriaclima estherae). Also known as the Orange Zebra Cichlid, this fish is one of the most commonly kept specimens of the mbuna (rock dwelling) cichlid family due to its bright coloration and classic African cichlid personality. Red Zebras are a beautiful orange-red color with faint traces of blue on their scales and yellow spots freckling their dorsal and anal fins; unlike most other mbuna, the females usually display richer colors than the males. Red Zebras can grow up 5 inches long and live for 10-12 years if properly cared for.    As representatives of the mbuna cichlid family, Red Zebras like an aquarium of 50-75 gallons with a slightly higher pH of 7.6-8.6 and a temperature of at least 78 degrees. They require rocky surroundings in their tanks, with plenty of places for the less dominant fish to hide, as Red Zebras are moderately agressive and will establish territory with a pecking order. These fish can be kept with Synodontis catfish and, of course, other Red Zebras. Using smooth pebbles as substrate is a fantastic choice for a Red Zebra tank, as they will rearrange your carefully thought out aquascape to their liking as they establish themselves. Once the territory and dominance have been established, Red Zebras are quite easy to breed. One male kept with 5-7 females provides the best chances for these mouthbrooders to display their matriarchal family behaviors.

Red Zebra Cichlids are not picky eaters, adjusting to a plethora of foods and feeding schedules. They are omnivorous, meaning that they will enjoy any of Centreville Aquarium’s fine packaged and frozen food options, but prefer a mostly herbivorous diet that consists of algae and cichlid pellets with occasional treats of fresh green vegetables and frozen soft meaty foods like mysis shrimp. High protein and fat foods like bloodworms or pellets containing large amounts of fish meal should be avoided as these can lead to Malawi Bloat, one of the most common diseases seen in African cichlids. Red Zebras may be a common fish in the aquarium hobby, but their unique beauty and bold personality make them a fantastic addition to any fish-loving home.