| Scientific Name: Metriaclima estherae (O) |
| Pronunciation: m
|
| Common Name(s): Red Zebra |
| Geo. Origin: Minos Reef |
| Habitat: Rocky Habitat |
| Diet: Omnivore |
| Gender Differences: Dimorphic |
| Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder |
| Temperament: Mildly Aggressive |
| Conspecific Temperament: Aggressive |
| Maximum Size: 5" |
| Temperature: 78 - 82°F |
| pH: 7.8 - 8.6 |
| Water Hardness: Hard |
| Difficulty: 2 |
Images: |
Adult show male Large male O-form male Close-up Open mouth Male Male XL male XL male Adult male Male |
Photo Credit: Michael Persson |
Comments: |
One of the most popular Mbuna since its discovery in Lake Malawi. M. estherae is a very lively fish with great colors. Males typically are bright powder blue, females a rich orange. Although they have not been confirmed in the wild, orange males are common in the aquarium. Orange males do not share the rich orange color of the females and instead are light orange with a faint blue cast. Females can be not only orange (or commonly nicknamed "red") but also be OB (Orange Blotched). |