Maylandia estherae "Red Zebra", Latin name: Maylandia estherae "Red Zebra"- Maylandia zebra distribution
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Maylandia (formerly Pseudotropheus);
Species and synonyms: Maylandia zebra (Maylandia estherae, Maylandia zebra, Pseudotropheus zebra, Zebra Cichlid, Zebra Mbuna, Malawi Blue Cichlid).
GBIF:
Pseudotropheus zebra (lat. Maylandia zebra) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Maylandia. It is endemic to Lake Malawi (Lake Nyasa) in East Africa and is one of the most popular representatives of the "Mbuna" group.
Distribution. Maylandia zebra is endemic to Lake Malawi, where it is widely distributed along rocky shores throughout the lake. It prefers rocky biotopes with clear, well-oxygenated water at depths ranging from 2 to 20 meters. Different color variations are associated with specific stretches of the coastline.
Keeping Requirements. Pseudotropheus zebra is a cichlid that grows to 10–12 cm (4–4.7 in) in an aquarium. To keep a group (minimum of 5–6 individuals), a tank of at least 200 liters (≈ 53 gallons) with a length of at least 100 cm (≈ 40 in) is recommended. It is important to keep them in groups with a predominance of females, as males are territorial and aggressive. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–28 °C (75–82 °F), hardness 10–25 dGH, pH 7.5–8.5. Powerful filtration, good aeration, and weekly water changes of 20–25% are essential. The bottom should be furnished with large rocks forming hiding places and caves, along with a sandy or fine-gravel substrate.
Pseudotropheus zebras are herbivorous fish, and their diet should be based on vegetable matter: spirulina, flakes and pellets with a high vegetable content, and blanched lettuce or spinach leaves. It is important to avoid protein-rich animal foods, as they can cause digestive problems. Feed should be given 2–3 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Pseudotropheus zebras are active in the middle and lower water layers. They are territorial and aggressive, especially males during the spawning period. It is recommended to keep them with other Mbuna cichlids of comparable size and similar keeping requirements. They should not be kept with slow-moving or very small fish, nor with species requiring soft water.
Breeding in captivity is possible under proper conditions. Pseudotropheus zebras are maternal mouthbrooders: the female carries the eggs and fry in her mouth for 3–4 weeks. They reach sexual maturity at 10–12 months of age. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh water and a temperature increase of 1–2 °C (≈ 2–4 °F) are recommended. The male attracts the female to a chosen site; after spawning, the female takes the eggs into her mouth and incubates them. The fry are fed spirulina flakes and Artemia nauplii, and they grow quite rapidly.
Pseudotropheus zebra is known for a vast number of color variations, with over 50 documented forms. The most popular ones include "Red Zebra," "Blue Zebra," and "OB Zebra" (spotted). All forms have a characteristic elongated body with transverse stripes resembling the pattern of a zebra. Their lifespan is 8–12 years.