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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
hte 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 Amercians 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.
|
| Examples
of Cichlids: |
 |
 |
| Pelvichromis pulcher |
Pelvichromis pulcher |
 |
 |
| Neolamprologus brichardi |
Neolamprologus leleupi |
 |
 |
| Neolamprologus multifasciatus |
Neolamprologus brevis |
|
Link
to Cichlid Species Index
Back
to Fish Choice Main
|
