Our Guide To Keeping Albino Red Top Ice Blue Zebra Cichlid Fish

1. About Fish Species:

   • Scientific name: Maylandia greshakei (albino morph)
   • Common name: Albino Red Top Ice Blue Zebra Cichlid
   • Family: Cichlidae
   • Origin: Rocky shores of Lake Malawi, Africa
   • Adult length: 12–15 cm
   • Lifespan: 7–10 years
   • Diet: Herbivore (algae grazer)
   • Care Level: Moderate
   • Temperament: Territorial and semi-aggressive (especially males)

2. Tank Setup:

   • Space: Minimum 200 L for a small group; larger tanks help reduce aggression.
   • Aquascape: Create rocky piles, caves, and hiding crevices with plenty of sight breaks.
   • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel.
   • Plants: Choose hardy plants like Anubias or Vallisneria, but be prepared for occasional nibbling.

3. Water Parameters:

   • pH: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline)
   • Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
   • Hardness: 10–20 dGH

4. Filtration and Water Flow:

   • Filtration: Powerful, with strong biological and mechanical capacity; over-filtering is ideal.
   • Flow: Moderate to brisk to simulate wave-swept rocky areas.

5. Diet:

   • Staples: Spirulina-based pellets or flakes and quality vegetable wafers.
   • Vegetables: Blanched spinach, courgette, cucumber, or shelled peas.
   • Occasional treats: Small portions of brine shrimp or daphnia—avoid high-protein and fatty foods to prevent Malawi bloat.

6. Tank mates:

   • Best with: Other robust mbuna cichlids of similar size and temperament from Lake Malawi.
   • Avoid: Small community fish, slow-moving species, and fish with similar colour patterns to reduce hybridisation risks.

7. Behavior and Compatibility:

   • Social setup: Keep as a harem (1 male : 3–4 females) or in larger groups to reduce male aggression.
   • Territorial behaviour: Males guard caves and display bright colours—provide multiple hiding spots and line-of-sight blocks.
   • Notes: Not a schooling fish—expect chasing and dominance displays, which are normal for mbuna.