I fed Tetra Cichlid Flakes, Aquadine Duraflakes, Tetra Cichlid Sticks, spirulina flakes and earthworm flakes. Metriaclima estherae will eagerly consume a variety of prepared foods. Females attain a maximum size of 4" or so. Males of the species get up to about 4.5". I have not observed aggession or mate killing. I kept mine with some more aggressive Malawians with no trouble. Provide regular, partial water changes, a temperature of 76-80F and moderately hard water. Maylandia estherae is hardy and easy to keep.
You should have little trouble caring for this cichlid. Metriaclima estherae is found over rocky areas in the lake near reef structures. The species name "estherae" (and common name Esther Grant's Zebra was chosen by Konings to honor Esther Grant, the well-known wife of cichlid exporter Stuart Grant.
Blue males and Red females from Minos Reef.Red males and Red females (actually orangy-yellow to yellow, see above) from Minos Reef.Maylandia estherae can be difficult to identify because several color morphs are available Konings has shown that this fish is different enough from the popular Pseudotropheus zebra types to merit it's own genus. Metriaclima estherae (aka Pseudotropheus esteherae and Maylandia estherae) is a robust Malawian mouthbrooder first typed by Ad Konings in 1995, although it had been exported since the 1970's. Above A 4-inch Maylandia estherae "red" male.
0 kommentar(er)
