Red Zebra Cichlid
- In stock, ready to ship
- Inventory on the way
- Live Arrival Guarantee
- Get free shipping on non-live fish orders over $75 and live fish orders over $300.
- All our live fish, shrimp, snails are care with love and passion, when through minimum of 14 days quarantined and shipped from Splashy Fish facility in Springfield, Virginia, USA
This is only apply to live fish order.
What is Our Live Arrival Guarantee?
Benefit from our extensive experience in shipping live fish. In 2021, our records indicated a mere 0.5% dead-on-arrival (DOA) rate for all live fish orders, compared to the industry standard of 1.5%. These numbers translate to only 5 out of 1000 orders experiencing DOA fish.
At Splashy Fish, customer satisfaction is our priority. That's why we provide a 100% Live Arrival Guarantee on all animals shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Please note - Splashy Fish reserves the right to void Live Arrival Guarantee protection under the following circumstances:
- The customer has chosen USPS First Class Mail as a shipping method.
- The shipping address is a PO Box address
- The order was refused delivery by the customer.
- If the order is returned to the sender for any reason. For instance, an incorrect shipping address, an undeliverable address, etc.
- The order was held for pick up at USPS, UPS, and FedEx offices for longer than 24 hours after the last update on the tracking number.
- The Live Arrival Guarantee claim does not include all the requirements mentioned below
- The Live Arrival Guarantee claim is made after the claim period mentioned below.
- The animals are not in their original packaging
Live Arrival Guarantee Claim Period:
For Live Fish and other invertebrates, one and a half hours (1.5 hours) after the posted delivery time.
For Snails: 48 hours after the posted delivery time.
Steps to claim Splashy Fish's Live Arrival Guarantee:
- Take a picture of the shipping box and the shipping label.
- For live fish and other invertebrates: Please provide two pictures of each bag (containing the dead fish) upon arrival. Ensure the images display the bag in its original, unopened condition with the original rubber band intact
- For Snails: Position the snail in one corner of the tank. If the snail does not move within 48 hours, please take several pictures of the snail's opening
- Send an email to DOA@splashyfishstore.com with the subject line: DOA and Your Order Number, or message us on social media.
- In the body of the email, include your tracking number.
- The claim must be sent within the claim period mentioned above.
After submitting the required information, please allow us 1-3 business days to determine the cause of the issue. If the claim is valid and approved by our team, you will
- Receive a store credit for future purchases, excluding the shipping cost, of the dead-on-arrival fish
If the Live Arrival Guarantee claim does not meet all listed requirements, Splashy Fish reserves the right to reject it.
Shipping live animals and plants is a complex process, and temperature plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and secure delivery of your order.
If the highest daytime temperature in your location and the lowest nighttime temperature here in Springfield, Virginia—where our facility is situated—fall below 40°F or exceed 90°F, we will proactively delay your order. This measure is taken to prioritize the well-being of the animals and plants.
For the safety of our living cargo and to protect your investment, we retain the right to suspend shipping as necessary due to extreme weather conditions. Our Splashy Fish team will assess the situation and determine if it is unsuitable to ship, considering the safety of the animals.
To stay informed or address any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to our dedicated Splashy Fish Support team via email at support@splashyfishstore.com.
Once our team prints and packs your order, we'll notify you via email. This notification will include your tracking number and the expected arrival day. If you opt for UPS 2 Day shipping, your package should arrive within 2 days after shipment. Similarly, if you choose UPS 1 Day, your order will reach you the day after it is shipped. In the case of orders containing only plants or dry goods, they may be shipped via USPS, provided that this is the selected shipping option during checkout.
We ship all of the customer orders from our warehouse located in Springfield, VA. We pack and ship our orders depending on the orders with the exception of someday we cannot ship out live fish.
All Orders: will be shipped out from Monday to Thursday each week for overnight shipping by UPS.
Sunday: (Splashy Day) Today is the day we let our hard-working team members and our fish to destress and ready for the following week's shipment.
For more information regarding about shipping please visit us our Shipping Policy and Schedule
The Red Zebra Cichlid (Mayladia estherae), also known as the Red mbuna Cichlid or Pseudotropheus Red Zebra, is one of the most popular and vibrant African cichlids from Lake Malawi. With its fiery red to orange coloration, energetic personality, and classic zebra cichlid body shape, the Red Zebra adds instant brightness and excitement to any aquarium. As a hardy and active Red Cichlid fish, this species is ideal for hobbyists who enjoy lively, colorful aquariums filled with personality.
Native to the rocky shores of Lake Malawi in Africa, the Red Zebra mbuna belongs to the mbuna group, which is famous for their bold colors and high activity levels. While most zebra cichlids feature blue or black striping, the Red Zebra Cichlid stands out with its striking, solid red-orange coloration, a result of selective breeding in captivity. Their combination of beauty and resilience has made them a favorite among aquarists worldwide.
The Red Zebra Cichlid size typically ranges from 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) in captivity. Males are often brighter, showing more intense red-orange hues, while females are slightly smaller and may appear lighter in tone. Their compact, stocky body and bright coloration make them a stunning focal point in mbuna aquariums.
Like other mbuna, the Red Zebra Cichlid is semi-aggressive and territorial, particularly males. They thrive in larger aquariums with plenty of rocks, caves, and hiding spaces to help establish territories. Properly chosen Red Zebra Cichlid tank mates include other robust mbuna species of similar size and temperament, such as Blue Zebras, Yellow Labs (Labidochromis caeruleus), and Socolofi Cichlids. Avoid mixing them with small or timid fish that cannot withstand their activity level.
At Splashy Fish tropical fish store, our Red Zebra Cichlid for sale and other Cichlids for sale are tank-raised, healthy, and carefully selected for vivid coloration and optimal size. Shop online or visit our aquarium store in Virginia to discover high-quality freshwater fish for sale, betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, aquatic plants for sale, and essential aquarium supplies.
WHAT MAKES THIS FISH SPECIAL?
- Brilliant red to orange coloration, unique among zebra cichlids
- Grows 4–5 inches, perfect for medium to large aquariums
- Hardy and active, which is ideal for experienced cichlid keepers
- Semi-aggressive; thrives in rocky mbuna setups
- A favorite red cichlid fish from Lake Malawi
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS
- Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for a colony
- Temperature: 75°–82°F (24°–28°C)
- pH: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline, Lake Malawi conditions)
- Hardness: 8–20 dGH
- Filtration: Strong with excellent oxygenation and frequent water changes
CARE GUIDELINES
- Diet: Primarily herbivorous. Provide high-quality cichlid pellets, spirulina flakes, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas), and occasional frozen foods like brine shrimp. Avoid protein-heavy diets that may cause digestive problems common in mbuna.
- Tank Setup: Mimic Lake Malawi with rocky caves, stacked stones, and sandy substrate. Territories are essential for reducing aggression.
- Behavior: Active, semi-aggressive, and territorial. Works best in larger tanks with balanced male-to-female ratios.
See more detailed information on How to Care for Cichlid Fish here.
Red Zebra Cichlid Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Red Zebra Cichlid lifespan?
The Red Zebra Cichlid lifespan in a well-maintained aquarium is typically 6–10 years. With proper water quality, a balanced herbivorous diet, and a spacious tank setup, these hardy red mbuna cichlids can thrive for nearly a decade, making them a rewarding long-term addition to any African cichlid tank.
How big do Red Zebra Cichlids get?
A full grown red zebra cichlid usually reaches about 4–5 inches (10–13 cm) in length. Males often grow slightly larger and display brighter coloration, while females are a bit smaller and lighter in tone. Their compact size makes them perfect for medium to large mbuna community tanks.
Are Red Zebra Cichlids aggressive?
Yes, Red Zebra Cichlids are considered semi-aggressive African cichlids. Males, in particular, can be territorial, especially in smaller tanks without enough hiding spaces. However, in larger aquariums with plenty of rocks and caves, aggression can be managed. They are best kept with other robust mbuna cichlids of similar size and temperament.
