What to feed a Red Zebra Cichlid?

1. Feeding your Red Zebra Cichlid: Red Zebra Cichlids are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plant matter and small organisms. While brine shrimp is a common food choice, it's possible that your cichlid hasn't recognized it as food yet. If your cichlid isn't showing interest in frozen or dried brine shrimp, you can try other options. High-quality cichlid pellets are a staple food and provide balanced nutrition. You can also offer other frozen or live foods like daphnia, mysis shrimp, blackworms, or even blanched vegetables such as peas or spinach. Experiment with different foods to see what your cichlid prefers. Remember to remove any uneaten food to maintain water quality.

Regarding bloodworms, they can be fed to cichlids in moderation. While they are not a primary food source, occasional feeding of frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms can be a nice treat for your cichlid. Just ensure that you're offering a varied diet and not relying solely on bloodworms, as they lack complete nutrition.

1. Tankmates for your Red Zebra Cichlid: When selecting tankmates for your Red Zebra Cichlid, it's important to consider their compatibility and behavior. Red Zebra Cichlids are known to be relatively aggressive, especially during breeding or territorial disputes. Therefore, it's best to avoid small or timid fish that may easily get stressed or harassed by the cichlid.

For suitable tankmates, consider other African cichlids from Lake Malawi since they share similar water requirements. Look for species that have a similar size and temperament. Examples include other Mbuna cichlids like Yellow Labs (Labidochromis caeruleus), Acei Cichlids (Pseudotropheus acei), or Rusty Cichlids (Iodotropheus sprengerae).
It's recommended to avoid mixing cichlid species from different regions or lakes to prevent hybridization and potential compatibility issues. Additionally, avoid pairing your Red Zebra Cichlid with species that have different dietary or habitat requirements, such as peaceful community fish or delicate species.
Providing ample hiding spaces and territories within your aquarium can help reduce aggression and create a more harmonious environment for your fish.
I hope this guidance helps you care for your Red Zebra Cichlid and choose suitable tankmates. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask!