3x Zebra Cichlid "red" - Pseudotropheus estherae - TRIO (2W/1M)

A particularly pretty comrade among the Malawis is the Zebra Cichlid, also known as Pseudotropheus estherae or Metriaclima estherae. It originates from the east coast of Lake Malawi, near Mozambique. This mbuna lives mainly on the rocky coasts, in a water depth of just 10 meters, where it feeds on algae and growth. Although it belongs to the zebra cichlids (better: to the group of Maylandia zebra), it has no visible zebra stripes. Although the Pseudotropheus estherae has been an old hand in aquaristics for a long time, it was only described scientifically in 1995, as a separate species. These zebra cichlids are polymorphic and exist in three different color morphs. The animals offered here are red.

Male zebra cichlids are territorial and claim territories between 80 - 100 cm. Accordingly, one should keep in mind with these animals that the perch certainly gives expression to its name, since it can behave accordingly "perch". The animals have the high back typical for perches and a red-orange ground color with transparent fins. They grow to about 10-12 cm in size.

The males can be distinguished from the females mainly by the developed "egg spots" on the anal fin. In addition, the females lag behind the males somewhat. Juveniles appear all orange at first and color out with age. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins are orange-transparent with reddish speckles in females. The elongated ventral fin rays are present in both sexes.

Pseudotropheus estherae, like many perches, are mouthbrooders in which the female takes care of the brood care. With a harmonizing pair and a varied diet of larger live and frozen foods, it does not take very long for spawning to occur, with the female laying eggs on flat stone slabs. The water temperature should be about 27 °C. Since the female collects the laid eggs with her mouth, they are fertilized when the male presents his egg lick to her and she snaps at it. At this moment, the male simultaneously releases his sperm. For about three weeks the larvae are carried around by the mother until they swim free and feed on their own. With a size of about 1 cm, the juveniles can easily be raised with fine live and frozen food such as enchytraea, microworms and Artemia nauplii, but also dust food. It is recommended to keep these fish in small groups with a clear surplus of females.

Since the Zebra Cichlid is a rock dweller, its aquarium should also be very well structured, have at least 300 liters volume and similar to the habitat have rock structures and rock ledges with enough Caves and hiding places, which also serve as territorial boundaries and visual protection. Limestone and an appropriate calcareous substrate are recommended to keep the water values in the alkaline range. The substrate should be fine gravel or sand with smooth slates.

As omnivores, the animals will likely dig up plants and eat them as well. Planting with plants other than hard-leaved Anubias and similar perching plants is rather inadvisable. Fine plants and mosses will be gnawed on by the perches over time. The water values should be if possible as follows: pH value: 7,0-8,5, GH 9-30°, KH 6-30, as well as a temperature of 24-27°C. A very good water hygiene with crystal clear water, as well as a good flow serves both the spawn readiness and the well-being of these pretty fish. A socialization with other fish or invertebrates is rather not recommended, except for other Mbuna species.

The Zebra Cichlids feed mainly on algae and growth, but will usually also accept live and frozen food, which will however cause them to become obese quite quickly. Therefore, their diet should consist mainly of vegetable food, such as algae leaves, flakes or food tablets, if possible. However, feeding can occasionally be supplemented with larger live and frozen foods such as daphnia, black and white mosquito larvae, Artemia crayfish and others. Red mosquito larvae should be avoided if possible, as they can cause significant digestive problems.

Our zebra cichlids are available as a trio, 2 females + 1 male.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Cichfeed has a grain size of 1.5 mm and is therefore suitable for larger fish. The NH Cichfeed is a soft granulate for mainly carnivorous fish. It has the same consistency as small crustaceans and insect larvae that the fish eat naturally, and the soft granules protect the fish mouth from micro injuries that can be caused by hard feed granules.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.