Red zebra facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red zebra |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Synonyms | |
|
The Red Zebra Cichlid (also known as Maylandia estherae) is a colorful freshwater fish. It belongs to a group called cichlids. This fish lives among rocks in Lake Malawi, Africa. It is a type of cichlid known as a mbuna.
Like many cichlids from Lake Malawi, the Red Zebra Cichlid is a "mouthbrooder." This means the female fish holds her fertilized eggs and then her baby fish (called fry) inside her mouth. She keeps them safe for about 21 days until they are ready to swim on their own.
Red Zebra Cichlids can be quite territorial. This means they like to claim an area as their own. They might even act aggressively towards other fish that come into their space.
Contents
About the Red Zebra Cichlid's Name
The scientific name for this fish used to be Pseudotropheus. But scientists later changed it. Most fish experts now call it Maylandia. However, some people, like fish expert Ad Konings, still use the name Metriaclima.
The second part of its scientific name, estherae, honors a special person. It is named after Esther Grant. She is the wife of Stuart M. Grant, who was a famous exporter of cichlids.
Where Red Zebra Cichlids Live
The Red Zebra Cichlid is found only in Lake Malawi. This means it is endemic to that lake. You can find these freshwater fish along the eastern coast of the lake. They live in areas from Chilucha Reef near Metangula all the way to Narungu.
What Red Zebra Cichlids Look Like
Female Red Zebra Cichlids can grow to be about 10 centimeters (4 inches) long. Males are a bit bigger. They can grow up to 12.7 centimeters (5 inches) long.
Even though they are called "Red Zebra" cichlids, these fish come in many colors. This is called being polymorphic. In the wild, female fish are usually beige or brown. Males are often bright blue.
However, you can also find red-orange females. These are called O morphs. There are also females with blotchy patterns, known as OB morphs. These different colors are found in specific places in the lake. O morph males are rare and are white-pink with a blue tint on their fins. OB males, sometimes called "marmalade cats," are very rare in the wild.
When these fish were first collected for aquariums, people often chose the red females. They also bred O-morph males to create orange-red males. This is why the red and orange versions are the most common ones you see in fish stores today.
Keeping Red Zebra Cichlids in an Aquarium
Male Red Zebra Cichlids are very territorial. They will claim certain areas of the tank as their own. The strongest male in the tank might pick on weaker males. It's best to keep one male with several females. This is called a harem.
Like other cichlids, Red Zebra Cichlids need a large aquarium. They also do best with other African cichlids. You need to be careful when choosing tank mates. African cichlids and South American cichlids often don't get along well. An experienced fish keeper might make it work, but it can be tricky.
Red Zebra Cichlids love rocky areas. They need lots of hiding spots in their tank. These spots are important for smaller or weaker fish to hide. They also give the Red Zebra Cichlids places to claim as their territory.
Red Zebra Cichlids as Tank Decorators
These fish are known for moving things around in their tank. They will "arrange" pebbles, small plants, and other decorations. They do this much more often than other aquarium fish. You might find your tank looking different than how you set it up. The fish will move things to make themselves comfortable.
It's often pointless to try and change their arrangements. They will just move everything back to how they like it! Red Zebra Cichlids often dig pits in the gravel under shelters. This creates a cozy "home" for them.
They use their mouths like tools. They will pick up pebbles and rocks. They use these to "build" up areas or cover entrances. For example, they might wall up a second entrance to their favorite hiding spot. This makes it more private.
Because they are so active with their mouths, you need smooth, high-quality gravel. This helps prevent them from getting injured.
What Red Zebra Cichlids Eat
In Lake Malawi, Red Zebra Cichlids mostly eat algae and plants. In an aquarium, they will eat regular cichlid foods. You can also give them some vegetable greens. Small, freeze-dried aquatic animals can be a treat.
You should not feed them live foods. This can cause bloating, which can be deadly for them. High-protein foods are not really needed. These fish grow to their adult size quickly without them.
Water Conditions for Red Zebra Cichlids
Like other cichlids, Red Zebra Cichlids thrive in certain water conditions. The water should have a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. It should be hard, around 150–200 milligrams per liter. The temperature should be between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius (72-82 degrees Fahrenheit).
Red Zebra Cichlids are quite hardy fish. They can handle water conditions that are not perfect. But for them to be healthy and active, it's best to keep their water just right.
See also
- Cichlid
- Tropical fish
- Mbuna
- List of freshwater aquarium fish species
