Most aquarists would agree that the size of this species is just right for the hobby. A full-grown red zebra cichlid reaches a maximum size of around five inches long. This species isn’t the biggest member of the cichlid family. This is an easy way to tell if you’re looking at a male or female. Males have four to seven spots, while females can have up to three or none at all. Red zebra cichlids have egg-shaped spots, usually in a high-contrast color, making them highly visible. Some fish have a bold stripe on the dorsal fin or leopard-like dotting on the caudal fin.Īuthor Note: One of the most defining features is on the anal fin. Their fins are ray-shaped and usually transparent. The dorsal fin is expansive, stretching most of the fish’s length behind the head.
The profile is sleek, and the head is slightly rounded to a soft point. They have a signature cichlid body shape. Regardless of the color, these fish have many universal features. The most sought-after varieties are multi-colored or have striped patterns. You can find red zebras in shades of blue, beige, pink, yellow, brown, and more. For this reason, some pet stores label them “assorted African cichlids.” That means they come in a wide range of colors. Some specimens have the signature fiery color, but this species is polymorphic. Appearanceĭespite its name, the red zebra cichlid is not always red.
But the proper care and planning can make them wonderful additions to your aquarium. Like other cichlids, these freshwater fish can pose some unique challenges. In captivity, they’re often the species of choice for beautiful hardscaped aquariums. They’re rock-dwellers residing in caves and rocky habitats in the wild. These vibrantly colored cichlids are beautiful, and they prefer to live in unique environments.
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