Red Zebra Cichlid Care Guide: What to Know Before You Buy

Red Zebra Cichlid Care Guide: What to Know Before You Buy

The Red Zebra Cichlid (Maylandia estherae) is one of the most recognizable African cichlids from Lake Malawi. Known for its bright orange to red coloration and active personality, this mbuna species is a favorite among hobbyists building a vibrant African cichlid aquarium.

At Tilapia Store, our Red Zebra Cichlids are tank-raised in Florida, never wild-caught, and selected for strong health and color before shipping.

Natural Habitat and Behavior

Red Zebra Cichlids originate from the rocky shorelines of Lake Malawi in Africa. In the wild, they live among rocks and crevices, grazing on algae and defending small territories.

In the aquarium, they are:

  • Active and alert

  • Semi-aggressive (typical mbuna behavior)

  • Best kept with other compatible African cichlids

Providing rock structures and hiding areas helps reduce aggression and keeps fish comfortable.

Tank Size and Setup

A proper setup is critical for long-term success.

Recommended tank size:
55 gallons or larger

Tank setup tips:

  • Use plenty of rockwork and caves

  • Avoid open, bare tanks

  • Strong filtration is important due to activity level

African cichlid tanks benefit from stable water conditions and regular maintenance.

Water Parameters

Red Zebra Cichlids thrive in hard, alkaline water.

  • Temperature: 76–82°F

  • pH: 7.8–8.6

  • Water hardness: Moderate to hard

Stable parameters are more important than chasing exact numbers.

Diet and Feeding

Red Zebra Cichlids are omnivores.

Recommended foods include:

  • High-quality pellets or flakes

  • Spirulina-based foods

  • Occasional frozen foods

Avoid excessive protein-heavy diets, which can cause digestive issues common in mbuna species.

Why Tank-Raised Matters

Tank-raised fish:

  • Adjust better to aquarium life

  • Are hardier during shipping

  • Help protect wild populations

All Red Zebra Cichlids from Tilapia Store are tank-raised in Florida and shipped with care to ensure healthy arrival.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re building a Lake Malawi biotope or adding color to an African cichlid community, the Red Zebra Cichlid is a hardy, striking choice when kept in the right setup.

If you’re considering adding Red Zebra Cichlids to your aquarium, focus on tank size, compatible tankmates, and proper diet — and you’ll be rewarded with active, colorful fish for years to come.

Back to News