freshwater
Red Zebra Cichlid (Orange Morph)
Maylandia estherae
Compressed, oblong body shape with a steep head profile. The dorsal fin is long and continuous with spiny and soft-rayed portions. This particular individual shows an orange/peach color morph with pale bluish or whitish highlights on the head, fins, and body, dotted with faint lighter spots on the caudal and dorsal fin…
- Habitat
- Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, specifically inha…
- Size & weight
- Typically reaches about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) in l…
- Diet
- Primarily herbivorous/aufwuchs feeder, scraping algae, d…
Identified More freshwater →
Learn more about Red Zebra Cichlid (Orange Morph) in the encyclopedia →Identify your own catch.
Get a report just like this from any photo, free.
Physical characteristics
Compressed, oblong body shape with a steep head profile. The dorsal fin is long and continuous with spiny and soft-rayed portions. This particular individual shows an orange/peach color morph with pale bluish or whitish highlights on the head, fins, and body, dotted with faint lighter spots on the caudal and dorsal fins.
Habitat & distribution
Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, specifically inhabiting rocky shoreline areas with sediment-free rocks that provide caves and crevices for shelter.
Behavior
Territorial and aggressive, typical of Mbuna cichlids. Solitary when defending territory, highly active during the day.
Diet
Primarily herbivorous/aufwuchs feeder, scraping algae, diatoms, and small micro-invertebrates off rocks using specialized teeth.
Reproduction
Maternal mouthbrooder. Females hold fertilized eggs and developing fry in their mouths for up to three weeks until the fry are free-swimming.
Ecological role
Acts as an algae scraper and herbivore/aufwuchs feeder, controlling algae growth on rocks and serving as prey for larger piscivorous cichlids and catfish.
Similar species
Other Mbuna cichlids from Lake Malawi such as Pseudotropheus lombardoi or Metriaclima fainzilberi. Distinguished by precise coloration, body depth, and facial markings.
Identification tips
Look for the typical Mbuna body shape, continuous dorsal fin, distinct egg-spot markings on the anal fin (often present in males), and bright orange or blue-white coloration depending on the morph and sex.
Interesting facts
Mbuna means 'rock fish' in the local Tumbuka language of the Lake Malawi region. Females and males can exhibit different color phases, and some morphs are naturally blue while others are orange.