Red Zebra - Metriaclima Estherae
Scientific Name(s): Metriaclima Estherae
Common Name(s): Red Zebra, Orange Zebra
Maximum Size: 5 inches
Life Span: 10 years
Natural Habitat: East African Lake Malawi
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Tank Region: All over
Possible Tank Mates: Other african cichlids or Synodontis catfish
Description: A member of the Mbuna (or "Rock Dwelling" cichlid) family, their environment should be densely decorated with rocks and rock caves, fine gravel, fine gravel with crushed coral, or even sand for substrate. Top, middle and bottom swimmers, their preferred tankmates may include other Mbuna or Malawi cichlids, and Synodontis catfishes (as bottom feeders). Red Zebras are Omnivores, and do well with fresh spinach, peas, zucchini, and lettuce. Live foods may include crickets, brine shrimp, meal worms, glass worms, and tubifex worms.
Temperature Range 76°F - 84°F
pH Range 7.6 - 8.6
Sexing Information: The colorations of this fish differ from most of the Mbuna, as the females are typically the ones displaying the deeper and more brilliant colorations. The orange males are larger but often become pale on the lower sides of their bodies, and may even show a brilliant "freckling" of spots along the dorsal and tail fins. While the smaller female, may not have any color variation, with the deep orange color extending out to the tips of her fins. The males typically will have numerous (4-7) "egg spots", while the female may show fewer (0-3) and less prominent "egg spots".
Diet: Omnivorous but does better with vegetables. Should not have too much protein and should have no fat. African cichlid flake or pellet foods are good as a staple, but the diet should be supplimented with fresh green vegetables such as spinach, romaine lettuce, peas or zucchini.
Temperment: Aggressive towards other species, quite aggressive within species.
Common Diseases: Malawi bloat - fatal to malawi cichlids that eat too much protien or fat.
