Fish

Red zebra cichlid (OB)

Maylandia estherae

French name : Maylandia estherae OB

The red zebra is one of the most popular mbuna from Lake Malawi, celebrated for its vivid colour and hardy nature. Wild fish range from orange to blue, and the OB (orange-blotch) form shows a mottled patchwork of black on an orange or peach ground. Growing to about 12 cm, it is a rock-dwelling algae grazer that is moderately aggressive, especially among males, so keep one male with several females amid abundant rockwork, caves and open sand. The hard, alkaline water of the Rift lakes is essential, along with strong filtration and regular water changes. Feed a vegetable-rich diet of spirulina flakes and herbivore pellets; avoid excessive protein, which causes bloat. Its tolerance of a range of conditions and forgiving temperament make it a good introduction to Malawi cichlids, though tankmates should be similarly robust mbuna.

Water

Freshwater

Origin

Lake Malawi, East Africa

Adult size

12 cm

Diet

Herbivore

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Difficulty

Beginner

Red zebra cichlid (OB) (Maylandia estherae)

Illustration

Colour varieties

3 trade forms of the same species — sizes and care are identical.

OB (Orange Blotch)

Pale orange body irregularly marbled with dark blotches, so each fish shows a unique blotchy pattern.

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Red Zebra

Solid orange to reddish body without stripes despite the name, uniform in colour.

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Minos Reef

Locality form with a bluish male and softer orange tones, named after its Lake Malawi collection site.

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Water parameters

Temperature	24 – 28 °C
pH	7.8 – 8.6
Carbonate hardness (KH)	10 – 18 °dKH
General hardness (GH)	10 – 20 °dGH

Tank & stocking

Minimum tank volume	250 L
Volume budget per individual	40 L — adds up with tank-mates

“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.

Frequently asked questions

What size aquarium does Red zebra cichlid (OB) need?

Provide at least 250 litres to keep Red zebra cichlid (OB) in good conditions.

What water parameters does Red zebra cichlid (OB) need?

A temperature of 24–28 °C, pH 7.8–8.6.

Is Red zebra cichlid (OB) peaceful or aggressive?

Its temperament is semi-aggressive.

What does Red zebra cichlid (OB) eat?

Its diet: herbivore.

How big does Red zebra cichlid (OB) get?

Around 12 cm as an adult.

Is Red zebra cichlid (OB) suitable for beginners?

Care level: beginner.

Planning a tank with Red zebra cichlid (OB)?

AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.

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