Red Zebra Cichlid: Tank Size, Tank Mates and How Many to Keep

Red zebras are bright orange Lake Malawi cichlids. They are one of the calmer rock-dwelling Malawi fish, though a male still guards his patch.

Adult size
5.3 in13.5 cm
Smallest tank
36 gallons137 liters
Comfortable in
40 gallon breederor bigger
How many
4 or more
Temperature
75–82 °F24–28 °C
pH
7.6–8.8
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Swims
In the middle
Heater needed
Yes

What size tank do red zebra cichlids need?

At least 36 gallons (137 liters) for a group of 4. The smallest standard tank that works is the 40 gallon breeder. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Maylandia estherae.

How many red zebra cichlids in each tank size?

This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if red zebra cichlids are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.

TankHow many red zebra cichlids
5 gallonToo small
10 gallonToo small
20 gallon longToo small
29 gallonToo small
40 gallon breeder4
55 gallonup to 5
75 gallonup to 7
125 gallonup to 11

Check red zebra cichlids against your own tank and other fish

Good to know

  • Lake Malawi fish: hard, alkaline water. Keep one male with several females.
  • Keep at least 4. In smaller numbers they are stressed, or one gets picked on.

Tank mates for red zebra cichlids

These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.

Poor matches

  • Betta: They need different water: Red zebra cichlid likes a pH of 7.6–8.8, betta likes 6–7.8.
  • Neon tetra: These fish do not share a comfortable pH range. Choose fish from similar water.
  • Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
  • Cherry shrimp: Red zebra cichlid (about 6 in) can eat cherry shrimp (about 1.2 in).

Questions and answers

What size tank do red zebra cichlids need?

At least 36 gallons (137 liters) for a group of 4. The smallest standard tank that works is the 40 gallon breeder. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.

How many red zebra cichlids should be kept together?

At least 4. Red zebra cichlids are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. More is better if the tank has room.

Can red zebra cichlids live in a 10 gallon tank?

No. Red zebra cichlid needs at least 36 gallons (137 liters), and grows to 5 in (14 cm), far too long for a 20 inch tank.

What temperature do red zebra cichlids need?

75–82 °F (24–28 °C), with a pH of 7.6–8.8. In most homes that means a heater.

Can red zebra cichlids live with a betta?

It is not a good match. They need different water: Red zebra cichlid likes a pH of 7.6–8.8, betta likes 6–7.8.

More fish

Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.