aquarium keeper to make this work). In addition, every keeper of the red zebra cichlid should be mindful of their preference for rocky terrain with numerous hiding places — for both smaller, weaker fish to seek shelter, and for the red zebra(s) to claim as their territory. This is a species known to “arrange” substrate pebbles, small plants, and other aquarium decor far more often than other aquarium fish. This means keepers of red zebra cichlids often find their desired tank aesthetic slowly altered by this fish to maximize its comfort in the tank. It is often a pointless exercise to undo the arrangements of a red zebra, as they will readily overrule the keeper by moving everything back into the arrangement they desire. Oftentimes, the red zebra will seek to maximize the size of their chosen “home” by creating a pit in the substrate underneath covered shelter. Proficient in using their mouth as a tool, like most cichlids, red zebras will also pick up pebbles/rocks with their mouths for the purpose of “building” up areas they want covered up or elevated. One such example is to wall up secondary entrances to their favorite “dwelling” in an effort to make it more private. Because the fish is so active in terms of “renovating” their aquariums with their mouths, keepers must make sure the substrate within red zebra aquariums is smooth and of high quality to avoid injury. The fish’s predominate food source is algae and other plant life when in its natural habitat of Lake Malawi, though those in aquariums will certainly eat typical cichlid foods, some vegetable greens, and small, freeze-dried aquatic fauna as a treat. They should not be fed live foods by their keeper or there will be a risk for bloating, which can prove fatal. High protein foods typically sold for cichlids are unnecessary for red zebras as they grow to their relatively small adult size quickly. Like other cichlids, they thrive in waters that are between a pH of 7.5-8.5, hard 150–200 mg/L, and 72-82 degrees F (22-26 degrees C). Red zebra cichlids are rather hardy and can tolerate less than ideal water conditions, but keepers should seek the conditions listed above in order for the red zebra to live a healthy, active life. See also Cichlid Tropical fish Mbuna List of freshwater aquarium fish species References estherae Taxa named by Ad Konings Fish described