Cichlids
Cichlids can be found is some of the harshest waters imaginable. They are very commonly aggressive, with some more peaceful dwarf species.
Common Characteristics:
| Food: | There are notable vegetarians and carnivores in this group, check on the specific fish for more information. |
| Breeding: | Most cichlids are very good parents. Breeding stimulus can be vastly different among the groups, so looking up the specific fish you wish to breed is important. |
| Water Parameters: | Tanganyikan -- pH: 7.5-9,
hard. decor depends on habits. Malawi -- pH: 7.5-8.5, hard. Others -- as listed in their sections. |
| Temperament: | Lake cichlids can be very aggressive towards those from their own habitat. South Americans are often peaceful with fish other than their own kind, and Central Americans can be very aggressive. |
| Origins: | Both African and South American fish exist. Africans are mostly from the lakes of Malawi and Tankinyanga. |
| A Few Exceptions: | Discus: Very special case fish, also very difficult
to keep alive and breed. They like very clean very soft acidic
water, and should not even be attempted by anyone not prepared
for the extra work. Oscar: Grows to a very large size quickly, 12 inches or more, and is a very aggressive carnivore. It is also messier than a goldfish and takes to rearranging its tank to suit itself. Also not an easy first cichlid. Prone to HITH disease due to its messy nature. |
