Red Zebra 5cm - Pulu Point

Red Zebra - Pulu Point

The Red Zebra cichlid is a classic favourite among African cichlid enthusiasts, and the Pulu Point variant offers a unique take on this iconic fish. Named after its place of collection, this fish truly pops in any Malawi setup. Their body size, assertive presence, and brilliant colouration make them a must-have for anyone looking to add visual impact and personality to their aquarium.

These cichlids belong to the Mbuna group, meaning "rock dweller" in the local tongue, which reflects their natural behaviour. In the aquarium, they're always busy, whether defending territory, sifting through sand, or simply cruising along the rockscape. This strain boasts a more distinct, fiery red-orange hue from head to tail, which differs from more captive strains of mbuna. Red Zebra Pulu Points can also be part of breeding programs aimed at maintaining locality-specific lines.

Breeding red zebras is straightforward and a fantastic project for intermediate aquarists. They are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning the female will carry the fertilised eggs in her mouth for about three weeks before releasing free-swimming fry. A ratio of one male to several females is best to reduce aggression and promote breeding. Provide lots of rock work for hiding and territory establishment to reduce tension in the tank.

Tank Recommendations for your Red Zebra - Pulu Point

A tank of at least 180 litres is recommended for a group, with plenty of rocky formations, caves, and crevices to allow each fish to establish its own space. These are active and territorial fish that benefit from large footprints in aquariums. A sandy substrate is ideal, and the water should be hard and alkaline with strong filtration and consistent temperature.

As the red zebra mbuna only reaches around 10 cm, an adult pair of these fish can easily be kept in a tank of around 120 litres. They will, however, thrive in larger aquariums when kept in a colony of 6 or more. Since these cichlids spend a lot of time near the bottom of the aquarium, it is best to ensure there is a decent footprint.

Red zebra mbunas can be territorial, especially during breeding time; however, their aggression is quite minimal compared to other African cichlids. They should be provided with a plentiful supply of caves for security and just to diffuse the minimal aggression. These are also tropical fish which are best kept at 24-26 degrees with a pH of 7.0-8.5

Suitable Tank Buddies

The red zebra mbunas can be kept with a range of other Mbuna species and relatively peaceful African cichlids. Since these fish require a higher PH of around 8 the tank mates chosen should be adaptable to this.

Usually Compatible

Yellow lab cichlids, OB zebra cichlids, Malawi peacocks, and smaller-sized hap cichlids.

Sometimes Compatible

Frontosa, larger haps like Malawi trout, and other large, semi-aggressive fish.

Rarely Compatible

Aggressive African cichlid species like fuscodichromis and polystigma. South American cichlids should also be avoided.

Feeding your Red Zebra - Pulu Point

Red Zebra - Pulu Point will take aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes and frozen foods. By giving them a varied diet, it ensures that they have optimal nutrition. The ideal diet would be a good quality, small and slow food, supplemented with green matter like algae flakes or sheets.