1907 Metriclima estherae Red Zebra Small
Introducing the Metriclima estherae Red Zebra Small, a vibrant addition to any aquarium. This Red Zebra Cichlid boasts stunning colors and patterns, guaranteed to catch the eye. Bring life and beauty to your tank with this unique and lively fish.
The Metriclima estherae Red Zebra Small cichlids can grow up to 6 inches in size? These vibrant fish are perfect for medium to large-sized aquariums, bringing a pop of color to any tank. With a maximum size of 6 inches, you can easily house a group of these beautiful creatures in your tank without worrying about overcrowding.
Male and female red zebra cichlids differ in a few distinct ways. The most distinguishing characteristic is the coloring of the two sexes. Male red zebra cichlids are more vibrant in color, with dark horizontal stripes across their body and a bright yellow head. Females, on the other hand, are generally more muted in color, with lighter horizontal stripes and a yellow-green head. Additionally, males tend to be larger, with a larger dorsal fin, while females are smaller in size and have smaller dorsal fins.
| Names | Red Zebra Cichlids (Maylandia estherae)
Also known as the African cichlid, red zebra mbuna, Assorted African cichlid, or the Esther Grant’s Zebra |
| Origins and Reginal Distribution | Originated from Lake Malawi |
| Tank Size | 55 gallons Minimum for a community
75 gallons minimum for adults and breeding purposes |
| Water Hardness Conditions | 18 – 20 DH |
| Ideal Tank Mates | Less aggressive, equal sized fish. Thrives with other cichlids like Jewel cichlids, the Kribensis cichlid, yellow lab cichlids, and strawberry peacock cichlids. |
| Average Size | 4– 5 inches, more than 5 inches in the ideal environment |
| Colors | Red, but are polymorphic with other colors including orange, blue, brown, and beige. |
| Lifespan | Typically, 5 years, but can live up to 10 years in the ideal environment |
| Diet | Omnivorous diet – vegetables are preferred |
| Optimal pH levels | 7.5 – 8.4 |
| Optimal Temperature | 75 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit |