This fish, like most cichlids from Lake Malawi, is a mouthbrooder - females hold their fertilized eggs then fry in their mouths until they are released after about 21 days.

Maylandia estherae is an aggressive (territorial) fish that could kill much less competitive tank friends (in severe cases).

Most ichthyological taxonomists place the species in Maylandia, though Ad Konings and thus much of the aquarium-related literature use Metriaclima instead.

Specifically, this species of freshwater tropical fish can be found along the eastern coast of the lake from Chilucha Reef near Metangula to Narungu.

Oftentimes, the red zebra will seek to maximize the size of their chosen “home” by creating a pit in the substrate underneath covered shelter.

High protein foods typically sold for cichlids are unnecessary for red zebras as they grow to their relatively small adult size quickly.