Goliad, Texas 77963
Fax 361.645.2258
Email goliadfish@goliadfarms.com
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Goliad Farms, INC. | 8497 FM 622 Goliad, Texas 77963 |
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361.645.2252 Fax 361.645.2258 Email goliadfish@goliadfarms.com |
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Contents
Fish
Cichlids |
Metriaclima estherae 'Red Zebra' 
Metriaclima estherae 'Red Zebra' is a mbuna cichlid from Lake
Malawi in eastern Africa. (Click here for a general
discussion of cichlids.) This fish is also known
as Pseudotropheus estherae and as the Red Zebra. It is possible that the genus
name Maylandia will replace Metriaclima. The nomenclature of
Pseudotropheus seems to be in a state of permanent uproar. For the time being,
this seems to be the consensus proper name. The top photo is a mature male. The
bottom photo is a mature female. Our strain is from a
commercial source. We acquired the strain in 2003.
Size: Males often reach 12.5cm (5 in.). Females are somewhat smaller. Description: Mature males are orange and often sport a sheen of pale blue on the flanks. Females are orange. Juveniles have the adult female coloration.Environment: This fish tolerates pHs from 6.5 to 8.0 while preferring pHs at near the higher end (basic) of this range. Water hardness is not critical, but it prefers very hard water. Optimum temperature ranges from 20-30°C (68-85°F).  Geographic Range:
This fish hails from Lake Malawi in eastern Africa.
Temperament: This fish is not aggressive for a cichlid, but males can be quarrelsome among themselves. They are active fish, constantly interacting with other fish. It can be kept either in a large single species aquarium or in active community aquaria with fish with similar behavior and requirements. Feeding: Feeding is simple with the fish taking prepared foods as well as live and frozen foods. Periodic feedings of Daphnia or other live foods are helpful in color maintenance, general health and breeding.Spawning: We maintain breeding colonies of this cichlid consisting of a single male with six to twenty females. This cichlid is a maternal mouth brooder. At 30°C (85°F), females carry eggs and fry for about 21 days. Broods are smaller than those of most cichlids, but can be as large as 40 fry for mature females. We do not strip eggs or fry, but allow the females to carry them to natural release. The fry are large and can eat commercial food, Daphnia, brine shrimp nauplii, etc. immediately. The fry are rarely bothered by the adults, but in our system, fry are provided abundant cover just to be sure. Additional Information:
For more information about this species, click on one of the following article
names: Additional Photos:
For additional photos of this species, click on one of the following photo
locations: Page last modified December 27, 2007. |
