How to Breed a Red Zebra

Red zebras are a type of cichlid, an aggressive freshwater fish. Cichlids are found in Africa, South America, and Asia. Red zebra cichlids come from a lake in Africa. Although they are called red zebras, the males of these fish are usually blue, while the females are yellow or orange. There are, however, some color variations that can occasionally be found. Although they can be aggressive, red zebra cichlids stay small, only growing to slightly more than three inches long and are considered relatively easy to care for and breed.

Things You'll Need

  • Breeding aquarium
  • Water testing kit
  • Thermometer
  • Flat stones
  • Fish food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place one male and three to four red zebra cichlids in an aquarium by themselves. Males are usually blue, but may also be reddish orange; females are orange or yellow and may have dark patches along their bodies. Males also have egg spots on their tail fins. These are small white or yellow markings on the tail fin that look like eggs. Females will not have these egg spots.

    • 2

      Test the pH level of the tank. Use a water testing kit to find the pH level of the water in the breeding aquarium. It should be between 7.7 and 8.6. Additives can be used to raise or lower the pH level if it is not correct.

    • 3

      Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the water in the breeding aquarium. It should remain between 73 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 4

      Place flat stones in the bottom of the aquarium. The female fish will lay her eggs on one of these flat stones before she takes them back into her mouth to brood.

    • 5

      Feed the fish twice a day. Give an omnivorous fish food. These frequent feedings will condition the fish, making them as healthy as possible, and will encourage them to spawn.

    • 6

      Wait for the fish to breed. The male red zebra cichlid will stake out a territory for himself. He will then encourage the females to swim into his territory. When a female joins the male, she will lay her eggs on one of the rocks. Females tend to lay about 20 or 30 eggs at a time. She will then suck the eggs into her mouth, where she will keep them safe until they hatch, about three weeks later.

    • 7

      Watch as the male fertilizes the eggs. He will turn his back to the female so she can see the egg spots on his tail. Thinking these spots are more eggs, she'll open her mouth. This is when the male fertilizes the eggs.