Those who are slightly bigger and grow to be about 8 inches in size should have a 30 gallon tank.
Most varieties are around 6 inches in size when fully mature, and will do well in a 20 gallon tank. The aquarium in which these fishes live should be spacious enough. There are many different types of African cichlids, but, in general, they all have similar requirements. Of course, in the majority (if not all) cases, the fish you’ll be keeping are bred in captivity, but it doesn’t mean that their needs are not the same as they are in the wild. Whenever you’re introducing a new species of fish into your tank, you should pay attention to what their original habitat was and try to recreate the conditions as closely as possible. In fact, they are resistant to most diseases that plague other species of freshwater fish and can easily live for 5 to 8 years in a well maintained aquarium. Fishes whose colors are dull or seem faded are highly likely to be sick, as healthy African cichlid has bright scales.ĭespite their highly exotic appearance, African cichlids are actually one of the hardiest families of freshwater fish. The vibrancy of the colors of your fish will also be a good indicator of their health. In fact, it’s precisely their stunning variety of vibrant colors what makes this family of fishes so popular among aquarium owners.Ĭolors of African cichlid differ between sexes, and males will be much more flamboyant than females, who tend to be a bit toned down in comparison. Some African cichlids thrive in the depths of the Lake Malawi, finding their home 490 feet under the surface, whereas others prefer shallow waters.Īfrican cichlids come in a dazzling array of colors ranging from red, blue, orange, yellow, green, brown and black. Even though they make up just one branch of the enormous and diverse Cichlid family, these freshwater fishes come in many different types and varieties. To find out if any of the varieties of African cichlids is the right choice for your aquarium, read on.Īfrican cichlids are considered to be one of the most diverse, intelligent, active and colorful families of freshwater fish in the modern aquarium hobby.Īs their name suggests, most species of African cichlids originate from one of Africa’s three great lakes – Lake Malawi, Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika. That said, it is very important that aquarists carefully research each species’ specific requirements before attempting to raise them.Whether it’s which other species they tolerate or what food they need to eat, it’s crucial to get all the details right if you want your cichlids to thrive. They can be a bit more aggressive than your average tropical fishes, though, so not all types of African cichlids will get along well with other tank mates. Most species are also fairly hardy and are perfect for both novice and experienced aquarists. African cichlids are considered to be one of the most diverse, intelligent, active and colorful families of freshwater fish in the modern aquarium hobby.
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