7.8 to 8.8 is a good standard, as these fish are accustomed to more alkalinity in the water.Īlkalinity can be raised using a commercial additive or baking soda in the water.įinally, water hardness should range from 100 to 200 mg/l, as tropical fish prefer more challenging water. In terms of alkalinity, a slightly higher pH is ideal. Warmer temperatures will cause faster metabolism in fish. The temperature should range from 72-82° Fahrenheit (22-28° Celsius). The red zebra cichlid requires your average tropical water parameters. Some red zebra cichlids can be observed “ decorating” their tanks by moving around rocks and other decor items! Water Requirements This will help reduce aggression, tank anxiety, and boredom. This is also a vital component of satisfying their territorial aggression.Ī plethora of rocks and other structures should be provided to allow these cichlids to hide and declare their territory. Red zebra cichlids, native to African lakes, prefer to hide in rocks and other structures. The tank should be large enough to accommodate a decent amount of aquascaping to provide shelter for the fish. The ideal tank size should be a minimum of 55 gallons. While these cichlids are typically smaller, they still need an expansive tank. Males have 3 or more spots, whereas females have less than 3. Males and females are identical in appearance but can be told apart by their egg spots on the hind fins. However, wide varieties can be found with the zebra stripe banding. Instead, they are solid in appearance and often come in variations of blue, pink, yellow, and other colors. Many red zebra cichlids lack their distinctive stripes. The most recognizable coloration of the red zebra cichlid is the orange-red one, which can be found in most local fish stores. This species is also a good jumping-off point for those interested in keeping slightly more advanced fish than the typical tetra or danio. The red zebra cichlid is a smaller alternative to those interested in keeping the vivid, entertaining species. For context, African cichlids can reach up to 12 feet. Red zebra cichlids live, on average, anywhere from 5 to 10 years in captivity.ĭuring this time, they can extend up to 5 inches in length, which is slightly smaller than most cichlids. Adding Red Zebra Cichlids to Your Tank Lifespan and Care.Omnivorous, the Red Zebra will enjoy all manner of flaked foods, live foods, algae, lettuce, spinach, and duckweed in its diet. A small group of 5 to 7 females and one male provide the best opportunity for breeding. The fry remain in the females mouth for 12 to 18 days before being released. Matriarchal in family structure, the female first lays up to 60 eggs, which she then scoops into her mouth where they are fertilized. Most members of the mouth brooding variety of African Cichlids are easily bred while in the aquarium if given the proper tank set-up and excellent water conditions. Metriaclima estherae is a Mbuna Cichlid, and is also called the Zebra Cichlid, Tilapia Zebra, and the False Zebra Mbuna.Ī bully by nature, without plenty of room, pyramids, rocks and crevasses to establish territory, Red Zebra will torment other tank mates. It does not have notable stripes like other varieties of this genus and species. The Red Zebra, although appearing more of a yellow color, is often a brilliant red in the wild. The Red Zebra African Cichlid, Metriaclima estherae, is known by a plethora of other names, often based on color.
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