29th Oct 2009
African Cichlids Information
African cichlids are one of the most interesting fishes anybody can ever keep in an aquarium. If you want a tank full of the most brightly colored freshwater fish you could ever see, then this is the fish for you. Known for being social and active, these fishes displays a lot of energetic movement and keeps anybody’s tank look alive and entertaining. The array of colors and beautiful patterns they come in are not typical of most freshwater tropical fish, making African cichlids among the most fascinating and beautiful fish to observe.
These fishes come from three of Africa’s great lakes: Malawi, Tanganyika and Victoria. Among the common species of African cichlids within the aquarium hobby are Zebra Obliquidens, African Butterfly Cichlid, Lake Makawi Butterfly Cichlid, Jewel Cichlid, Compressed Cichlid, Grants Peacock Cichlid, Frantosa Cichlid, Slender Cichlid, Victoria Biglip Hap Cichlid and Lifalili Cichlid. There are over a hundred of African Cichlid species but not all makes good fish for an aquarium.
Aside from their social behaviour and extroverted personalities, a lot of fish keepers are amazed with the degree of intelligence these fishes possess. African Cichlids are also territorial and has the tendency to be aggressive towards other cichlids. This behaviour may be dealt with though by considering aspects like male to female ratio in the tank and providing them structured areas and hiding spots within. A large tank for your cichlids is important as well.
Most African Cichlids are known for their proliferation. Being “maternal mouth brooders” makes them relatively easy to breed. The male African Cichlids fertilizes the eggs and the female then picks them up, and incubates them in her mouth for 21 to 31 days. She doesn’t eat during this period, one amazing character these fishes have. There are also a few other species of fish that practices mouth brooding though.
These creatures, according to their species, vary in size. But unlike other aquarium fishes, African cichlids could grow up to 4 to 6 inches, while the Haps could even reach sizes up to 9 inches. These fishes lives for about 4-10 years, but certain species could thrive up to 15 years.
African Cichlids are one of the most beautiful aquarium inhabitants an aquarium owner can ever have. It doesn’t require really much to care for them. Their temperaments could make looking after them become daunty. With proper knowledge, keeping African Cichlids is easy and rewarding, and makes anybody’s aquatic experience wonderful.
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