| Scientific Name: Metriaclima estherae (Blue) |
| Pronunciation: m
|
| Common Name(s): Red Zebra |
| Geo. Origin: Mo |
| 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: |
Blue male WC blue male Blue male Red female Juvenile blue male 2.75" blue male Juvenile female |
Photo Credit: Michael Persson |
Articles: | Species Article Malawi Bloat Malawi Breeding Map |
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). |