About the red zebra cichlid
The red zebra (Maylandia estherae) is a Lake Malawi mbuna that is widely sold in the aquarium trade. It is popular for its color and activity, and it is a common first African cichlid. Like other mbuna, it is territorial, so its care is mostly about space, rockwork, and stocking. For background on the group, see our mbuna cichlid care guide.
Colors: red zebra, OB and blotched
Names can be confusing. In the trade, “red zebra” often refers to orange or reddish fish, usually females and some morphs. Males of the normal form are commonly blue-toned, while “OB” (orange blotched) fish show orange with dark blotches, and some males of the OB form are orange with black. Sellers do not always use names consistently, so ask what you are getting. Color can also vary with age, mood, and diet.
Size and tank requirements
Adults are generally cited at around 4 to 5 inches, though sizes vary. A tank of around 55 gallons or larger is commonly recommended for a group, particularly if you plan to keep mbuna together. Build rock caves and stacked rock walls and keep the layout stable. Sand or fine gravel is typical.
How many cichlids fit in a 40 gallon tank?
There is no definitive answer. Many hobbyists would keep fewer fish in a 40 gallon tank than the often-quoted dense mbuna stocking, since a smaller tank limits territory and makes it harder to dilute aggression. A modest group of a small species, with more females than males and strong filtration, is a more conservative approach than adding as many fish as possible. If you are unsure, a larger tank is generally safer. See the African cichlid care guide for general stocking principles.
Water conditions
Red zebras prefer hard, alkaline water, with typical guidance of the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit and pH above neutral, around 7.8 to 8.6. Use strong filtration and regular partial water changes, and test for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate.
Feeding
Mbuna are mainly grazers, so a plant-based or spirulina-rich pellet or flake is generally recommended. Heavy protein diets are often linked to bloat, so keep meaty foods occasional. Feed small amounts once or twice daily and avoid overfeeding.
Aggression and tank mates
The red zebra is often described as moderately to highly aggressive, particularly the males toward one another. As to the most aggressive cichlid, there is no single answer; aggression depends on species, tank size, and the individual fish. Some mbuna and large South American or Central American cichlids are widely regarded as very aggressive, but a crowded tank can turn nearly any cichlid hostile.
The most compatible companions are other Lake Malawi mbuna of similar size. Avoid very similar colors, and avoid slow or timid fish. Keep one male per tank unless it is large, with several females.
Telling males from females
Differences can be subtle in juveniles. Adult males commonly show more intense color and may have egg-spots on the anal fin, but egg spots are not reliable in all populations. Females in the OB form are often more orange and blotched. Venting (examining the vent area) can help in some cases, but color alone is not always conclusive.
Breeding
Red zebras are maternal mouthbrooders, and they breed readily when kept in healthy groups. The female carries eggs and fry in her mouth for a few weeks. Provide hiding places and consider a separate tank for the female if she is harassed. Plan for the fry in advance.
Do cichlids remember their owners?
Many keepers report that their cichlids learn to recognize the person who feeds them and swim to the front of the tank on approach. Research suggests fish can learn to associate routines and individuals with food, though the extent of recognition is not fully known. Feeding on a consistent schedule can make this behavior more noticeable.