Size
Although some species only reach a height of 4 cm (2 in. ), the largest cichlid, Boulengerochromis microlepis, can grow as tall as 90 cm (3 ft).
Physical Characteristics
Cichlids have fairly deep bodies and only one nostril on each side of the head instead of the customary two. There are three or more anal spines and a broken lateral line. Although they are large for aquarium fish, they often have rounded tails.
Temperament
The size of your aquarium should increase as a fish becomes more aggressive. Cichlids are notoriously aggressive, largely due to their propensity for territorial behavior and significant behavioral changes during breeding.
Habitat
The majority of cichlid species are found in Lake Malawi, Lake Victoria, and Lake Tanganyika, three sizable lakes in East Africa. In just Lake Malawi, there are more than 500 species.
Keeping as Pet
- Tank Size
Larger fish should be deemed to need an aquarium with at least 30 gallons of area and at least six inches in length. A tank of at least 20 gallons is required for smaller fish. The aquarium should have room for around three extra gallons per additional fish if you decide to add more fish. Plan your aquarium around the size of adult cichlids because the fish will get bigger.
- Water Parameters
Having a water level test kit on hand is crucial for monitoring the conditions in your tank. This should be the standard protocol for ensuring that your tank is in a healthy condition for your fish.
The freshwater lakes and rivers that these fish reside in have hard water. Therefore, they need a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5. The exact number is more specific to the type of fish.
The ideal water temp for African cichlids is a fairly flexible range between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This should be plenty to allow you to make them comfortable and also accommodate their tank mates.
- Feeding
Monitoring the conditions in your tank requires having a water level test kit on hand. This should be the accepted procedure for maintaining the fish’s health in your aquarium.
Hard water is present in the freshwater lakes and rivers where these fish live. Hence they require a pH range of 6.5 to 8.5. Depending on the kind of fish, we can determine the precise amount.
African cichlids prefer water temperatures in a pretty wide range, between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This ought to be sufficient to allow you to accommodate their tank mates while still making them comfortable.
- Tank mates
The key to the African cichlid’s diet is variety. They might be mostly insectivores, herbivores, or omnivores, depending on the species you possess. A good base of fish food should be included along with a little bit of everything else. You can feed them different foods including brine shrimp, tubifex worms, insects, cichlid pellets, frozen food, small fish meat, and various common fruits and vegetables. They’ll require feeding twice a day. The fish should only be fed as much food as they can consume in three minutes to prevent overfeeding. This will not only cut down on waste but also keep the tank clean.
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