A highly popular and vibrant Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi. The 'Cherry Red' or Orange morph is a favorite for African Cichlid setups. They are rock-dwelling (Mbuna), highly territorial, and require a diet rich in vegetable matter (algae/spirulina) to avoid Malawi Bloat. Best kept in a harem ratio of 1 male to 3+ females.
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) At a Glance
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) Tank Requirements
Will Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) Water Parameters
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Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) Temperament & Compatibility
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are slightly larger, often develop a subtle pinkish or blueish overtone (depending on exact genetics of the red/orange strain), and display prominent egg spots on their anal fin. They are fiercely territorial and intolerant of other males of the same species.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Red Zebra, Bull
Female
Females are typically a brighter, solid orange/red color and slightly smaller. While less aggressive than males, they are still Mbuna and will defend their place in the hierarchy. Must be kept in a harem to spread male aggression.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Red Zebra
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) Care Guide Summary
The Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red), scientifically known as Metriaclima estherae, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 11 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 208 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.8–8.6 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red), a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour and an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red).
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
Show 1 more tank size
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Frequently Asked Questions About Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red)
How big does Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) get?
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) (Metriaclima estherae) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 11 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 208 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) need?
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.8 and 8.6, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) peaceful or aggressive?
Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 8 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) live alone?
No, Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) should be kept in groups of at least 4 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) benefits from sand (sifters) and established algae (otocinclus) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red)
These plants pair well with Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Gillet's Anubias
Anubias gilletii
Java Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Fish Similar to Red Zebra Cichlid (Cherry Red)
Cobalt Blue Zebra
Metriaclima callainos
A striking and highly active Mbuna cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Malawi. Known for its brilliant, solid cobalt blue coloration (though white morphs exist). Like most Mbuna, they are highly territorial, rock-grazing herbivores. They require an alkaline environment, a sandy substrate for digging, and extensive rockwork to establish territories. To manage aggression, they are best kept either in heavily populated, mixed all-male Mbuna tanks or in species harems (1 male to 3+ females).
Yellow Lab (Mbuna)
Labidochromis caeruleus
The Electric Yellow Lab is one of the most popular and widely kept African Cichlids from Lake Malawi. Classified as an Mbuna (rock-dwelling cichlid), they are famous for their vibrant yellow coloration and striking black dorsal stripes. While considered one of the most 'peaceful' Mbuna, they are still highly territorial cichlids that require hard, alkaline water, a sandy substrate for digging, and abundant rockwork to establish territories.
Bumblebee Cichlid
Pseudotropheus crabro
A robust and highly aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They are famous for their rapid color changes; while females and juveniles boast striking yellow and black 'bumblebee' bars, dominant males turn almost completely pitch black. In the wild, they are opportunistic feeders that clean parasites from large catfish and steal their eggs.
Electric Blue Johannii
Pseudotropheus johannii
An iconic Mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi renowned for extreme sexual dimorphism. Males transform into a striking electric blue with dark navy horizontal stripes, while females and juveniles remain a vibrant yellow-orange. Like most Mbuna, they are highly aggressive, territorial, and require hard, alkaline water with extensive rockwork to form caves. They are avid diggers and will destroy most live plants.
Demasoni Cichlid (Mbuna)
Chindongo demasoni
A stunning but notoriously aggressive dwarf Mbuna from Lake Malawi. Known for its intense dark blue and black vertical stripes. They are strict herbivores (Aufwuchs grazers) and prone to 'Malawi Bloat' if fed high-protein diets. Due to extreme aggression toward their own kind, they require specific stocking densities.
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
One of the most colorful and slightly more aggressive Peacock cichlids from Lake Malawi. They are obligate sand-sifters that search for benthic invertebrates. They require hard, alkaline water and plenty of rocky caves. Like most Aulonocara, they exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism.