Metriaclima estherae

Common name Red zebra Picture of Maylandia / Metriaclima estherae, male
Maylandia/Metriaclima estherae, male

Maylandia/Metriaclima estherae, female
© Sean Evans

Scientific name Metriaclima estherae

Synonyms Maylandia estherae, also previously known as Pseudotropheus estherae (old genus name).

Size 4-5" (10-12.5cm)

Origin Lake Malawi, East Africa

Tank setup A large tank with many rock caves

Compatibility Combine with other mbuna species

Temperature 23-28^oC (73-82^oF)

Water chemistry Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 plus ; KH 10-12

Feeding An omnivore which normally feeds on aufwuchs and plankton. Include a vegetable component in the diet.

Sexing Wild males are blue, while the female is normally orange (see photos). However, captive bred fish are now available where both sexes are an identical orange colour. The males are then best distinguished by having larger and/or more numerous egg spots.

Breeding Mouthbrooder, males will defend a spawning site around a cave.

Comments The females of this species can be bright orange to a less intense yellow-orange colour. The females from around Minos Reef have the more intense colour. An orange blotch female also occurs. The males can be easily confused with the Cobalt Blue Zebra, M. callainos.
Due to a technicality with scientific naming conventions, there is still some debate as to whether Maylandia or Metriaclima is the valid name for this genus, though most sources seem to indicate Maylandia will become the accepted name.

See also the Malawi mbuna section for more detailed info on keeping and breeding the Malawi mbuna cichlids.

Malawi

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This website was last updated on 18th January 2008

Common name	Red zebra	Maylandia/Metriaclima estherae, male Maylandia/Metriaclima estherae, female `© Sean Evans`
Scientific name	Metriaclima estherae
Synonyms	Maylandia estherae, also previously known as Pseudotropheus estherae (old genus name).
Size	4-5" (10-12.5cm)
Origin	Lake Malawi, East Africa
Tank setup	A large tank with many rock caves
Compatibility	Combine with other mbuna species
Temperature	23-28^oC (73-82^oF)
Water chemistry	Hard and alkaline: pH 7.6-8.6 ; GH 7 plus ; KH 10-12
Feeding	An omnivore which normally feeds on aufwuchs and plankton. Include a vegetable component in the diet.
Sexing	Wild males are blue, while the female is normally orange (see photos). However, captive bred fish are now available where both sexes are an identical orange colour. The males are then best distinguished by having larger and/or more numerous egg spots.
Breeding	Mouthbrooder, males will defend a spawning site around a cave.
Comments	The females of this species can be bright orange to a less intense yellow-orange colour. The females from around Minos Reef have the more intense colour. An orange blotch female also occurs. The males can be easily confused with the Cobalt Blue Zebra, M. callainos. Due to a technicality with scientific naming conventions, there is still some debate as to whether Maylandia or Metriaclima is the valid name for this genus, though most sources seem to indicate Maylandia will become the accepted name.