Species profile
Red Zebra Cichlid
Maylandia estherae
Aggressive
Moderate care
200 L minimum aquarium
9–12.5 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Territorial mbuna requiring hard alkaline water, excellent filtration and extensive stable rockwork. Stocking strategy is part of aggression management, not an excuse for inadequate space.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
24–26 °C
pH
7.5–8.5
GH
Up to 25 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
3
Keep a single male with multiple females and avoid similar-coloured/closely related males unless the aquarium is very large. Chasing and territorial pressure can be persistent.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
Yes / caution
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
200 L
Minimum footprint
120 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Maylandia estherae
Alternative names
Metriaclima estherae, Red Zebra Mbuna
Native range
Endemic to Lake Malawi, East Africa.
Natural habitat
Rocky littoral habitat. Use rock piles, caves and strong oxygenation while leaving open feeding/swimming areas.
Diet & feeding
Provide a high-quality Malawi/mbuna staple with significant plant/algal content and modest animal protein; avoid rich mammalian foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Colour is variable by population and aquarium strain, so sexing by colour alone can mislead. Mature males tend to be more territorial; venting is most reliable.
Breeding
Polygamous maternal mouthbrooder. Females incubate eggs and fry after spawning within a male's territory.