Red Zebra Cichlid and Similar Species
Maylandia estherae
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Red Zebra Cichlid. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Red Top Zebra
Maylandia callainos
Key differences: While M. callainos can also be orange, it typically has a blue body with an orange dorsal fin, or a uniform blue body. M. estherae 'Red morph' is uniformly orange-red, and the 'OB morph' has distinct blotches.
Cobalt Blue Zebra
Maylandia callainos (blue morph)
Key differences: This is a blue morph of M. callainos. M. estherae does not typically exhibit a uniform cobalt blue coloration, though some males can have blue hues in their OB patterns.
Metriaclima zebra
Maylandia zebra (formerly Metriaclima zebra)
Key differences: M. zebra typically refers to the blue-barred forms. While M. estherae was once considered a color morph of M. zebra, it is now recognized as a distinct species. M. zebra usually has vertical blue or black bars on a lighter blue body, whereas M. estherae is known for its red/orange or OB patterns.
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