Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Red Zebra Mbuna's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
pH
7.8 - 8.6
Temperature
24° - 28 °C
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What to know before you buy.
A popular Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi, the Red Zebra is known for its bright orange to red coloration. Interestingly, both males and females can be brightly colored. Like all Mbuna, they are highly territorial and aggressive and must be kept in a crowded, rocky tank to disperse aggression.
Key traits
Select a tank to see how this species fits.
Everything you need to keep Red Zebra Mbuna healthy in a South African setup.
Size the aquarium to Red Zebra Mbuna's adult size and activity level. Match décor to natural behaviour — plants, rockwork, or open swimming room as needed.
Keep pH 7.8–8.6 and 24–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers — acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Red Zebra Mbuna is an omnivore. Feed a varied diet appropriate for freshwater fish — quality flakes, pellets, or frozen foods sized to the mouth.
Red Zebra Mbuna is generally peaceful. Observe during feeding and at lights-out for true temperament.
Pair with similarly sized peaceful tankmates in freshwater fish. Avoid fin-nippers or species that outgrow this fish.
Breeding notes for Red Zebra Mbuna vary by line and water chemistry — ask your local shop about proven pairs in SA.
From hobbyists across SA.
Species that typically work alongside Red Zebra Mbuna in a similar setup.
Rusty Cichlid
Iodotropheus sprengerae
Venustus Cichlid
Nimbochromis venustus
Electric Yellow Cichlid
Labidochromis caeruleus
Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara sp.
Parrot Cichlid
Amphilophus citrinellus x Paraneetroplus synspilus
Jack Dempsey
Rocio octofasciata
Bolivian Ram
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
Discus
Symphysodon aequifasciatus