Red Zebra Cichlid
Maylandia estherae compatibility profile. Find the best tank mates by checking water parameters, aquarium swim zone pressure, social rules, and shrimp-safe verifications.
Core facts & bioload limits
Adult size5"
Minimum tank55 gal
Temperamentaggressive
Group4+
- temperature72-82F
- pH7.5-8.6
- water_hardnessGH 10-20 dGH | KH 6-14 dKH
- plant_safetycaution
- shrimp_safetyunsafe
- algae_eating_rolenone
- beginner_suitabilityadvanced
Community planning & swim zone pressure
When planning a community around Red Zebra Cichlid, consider the aquarium swim zone pressure. This species primarily occupies the middlebottom zone. Balance the setup by choosing tank mates that occupy the top or bottom zones to reduce crowding and stress.
Care caveats
- notesCommon orange/red mbuna sold in African cichlid assortments; suitable for Malawi cichlid communities, not peaceful mixed tropical tanks.
- caveatCan dig, rearrange substrate, and claim caves.
- caveatAvoid soft-water fish, shrimp, and slow peaceful community species.
- caveatBest kept with compatible Malawi cichlids and a vegetable-forward diet.