Red Zebra Cichlid

Red Zebra Cichlid requires a minimum of 55 gallons for healthy adults. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (5 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern. Most Red Zebra Cichlid sold at small juvenile size will reach full adult size within 12-24 months and the system must be sized to the adult, not the juvenile.

The Red Zebra Cichlid is rated intermediate difficulty on this care sheet. It needs a tank of at least 55 gallons, a temperature of 74-80°F and pH 6.5-7.5. Adults reach about 5 inches and live 8-10 years. Red Zebra Cichlid (Maylandia estherae) is a intermediate-care freshwater species that thrives in tanks of 55 gallons or larger with stable parameters.

Red Zebra Cichlid prefers freshwater parameters: Temperature: 74-80°F pH: 6.5-7.5 GH: 4-12 dGH KH: 3-8 dKH Ammonia + nitrite: Both 0 ppm Nitrate: Under 20 ppm long-term Copper: 0 (especially critical for invertebrates) Use dechlorinator on every water change. Test parameters weekly during cycling, biweekly once stable. Stable consistency beats sliding-scale "ideal" parameters.

Red Zebra Cichlid is a omnivore. Eats a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and supplemental greens. Quality flake or pellet (Hikari, New Life Spectrum, Tetra) plus frozen mysis or bloodworms 2-3x weekly produces best color and behavior. Feed Red Zebra Cichlid appropriately for its size + activity level.

Red Zebra Cichlid works in community tanks with peaceful species in similar size class. Adult-size matters more than purchase-size when planning stocking. Avoid mixing aggressive with passive species. Browse care guides for tankmate-compatibility tables for Red Zebra Cichlid and similar species.

Red Zebra Cichlid reaches 5 inches at adulthood with a captive lifespan of 8-10 years with proper care. Most freshwater species live 3-10 years; larger species (oscars, plecos, knifefish) reach 10-20+ years. The minimum is based on the species' adult size (5 inches), territorial range, and behavior pattern.

Red Zebra Cichlid is susceptible to standard freshwater diseases (ich, columnaris, fin rot, bacterial infections). Quarantine new Red Zebra Cichlid for 4 weeks before adding to your display tank. Treat fish in a separate hospital tank to avoid affecting plants and inverts. Most disease outbreaks trace back to poor water quality, chronic stress, or skipped quarantine.

Red Zebra Cichlid (Maylandia estherae) is native to specific tropical and subtropical freshwater systems. The captive-bred Red Zebra Cichlid sold at most LFS comes from generations of farmed stock and is generally hardier and better-acclimated to tank conditions than wild-caught equivalents. Wild specimens are occasionally available for keepers chasing original-bloodline coloration or biotope-accurate stocking.