Red Zebra Mbuna
Maylandia estherae
What you need to keep a Red Zebra Mbuna
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pH
7.8–8.6
Temperature
24–28 °C
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Red Zebra Mbuna.
Avg. price
R20
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Overview
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
Care guide
Keeping Red Zebra Mbuna healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
Size the aquarium to Red Zebra Mbuna's adult size and activity level. Use robust décor and sight breaks so each fish can hold its own space.
Water parameters
Keep pH 7.8–8.6 and 24–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Herbivore. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Aggressive. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose robust tankmates of similar size, and nothing small enough to be eaten. Add Red Zebra Mbuna last so territories reset.
Breeding
Breeding success with Red Zebra Mbuna depends on the line and water chemistry; ask your shop about proven pairs.
Keeping African cichlids?
Rift Lake cichlids want hard, alkaline water — most SA tap water is softer than that.
10% off your first order, no code, at checkout
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
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