This is a species known to “arrange” substrate pebbles, small plants, and other aquarium decor far more often than other aquarium fish. This means keepers of red zebra cichlids often find their desired tank aesthetic slowly altered by this fish to maximize its comfort in the tank. It is often a pointless exercise to undo the arrangements of a red zebra, as they will readily overrule the keeper by moving everything back into the arrangement they desire. Oftentimes, the red zebra will seek to maximize the size of their chosen “home” by creating a pit in the substrate underneath covered shelter. Proficient in using their mouth as a tool, like most cichlids, red zebras will also pick up pebbles/rocks with their mouths for the purpose of “building” up areas they want covered up or elevated. One such example is to wall up secondary entrances to their favorite “dwelling” in an effort to make it more private. Because the fish is so active in terms of “renovating” their aquariums with their mouths, keepers must make sure the substrate within red zebra aquariums is smooth and of high quality to avoid injury.