All About Cichlids And Their Care

Cichlids are a popular and lively species of aquarium fish that are particularly fun to keep. This beautiful and colorful type of fish are naturally found in freshwater lakes and ponds in Africa and South America; however the most common kind are the African Cichlids. If one is going to keep such fish and maintain their health, there are a few important points about them that should be noted.

These creatures are one of the most fascinating species aquarium-keepers can choose. They come in intense and vibrant shades of blue, yellow, pink, orange and other hues as well with beautiful markings and patterns. It is often hard to find two exactly alike, yet they are all part of the same family and can easily be housed together in the same tank.

The nice thing about cichlids is that unlike other types of tropical fish, many can thrive in one aquarium. They do not tend to school or group together and are very territorial; this is why more fish are needed because the lack of space prevents any one from securing their own territory and killing off any others who venture into it. With cichlids, the more the merrier.

A larger tank is necessary for so many fish, and it will be easier to maintain a healthy water quality. They also tend to grow larger than other types of community fish so they need the space. Some fish will want to explore while others will like to hide out. There should be a fair number of plants and decorations in the tank that the fish can swim around and hide in if they wish to.

Temperature of the tank should be kept between 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, avoiding fluctuations as this can cause illness. Water should be changed every other week with a small amount of aquarium salt being added to the water at this time. This is a fresh-water species however the water they come from is slightly salty, so it is recommended and it also helps prevent some types of disease. Hard water is best for these fish, so soft water should have aragonite added to increase hardness if necessary.

For those who are raising cichlids for the first time, it is important to first prepare the tank by placing several inexpensive fish like minnows in it as these will generate the proper balance of bacteria to keep the tank healthy; this is called "cycling" the tank. When adding the cichlids, it is advisable to add them all at once, rather than in parts. As they are added to the minnow population, they will likely eat them off, which is fine since they will have served their purpose already.

Fish should be fed twice per day. This species are omnivorous which means they eat both plants and meat. The best diet to help them thrive and achieve their optimal size and coloration is a blend of specially formulated cichlid pellets and spirulina. It is important to not overfeed them as excess food can damage the water quality and sicken the fish.

With this important information about cichlids anyone who is interested in keeping them should be able to do so with good results. These fish are unique and this must be taken into consideration in their care. If their needs are effectively met, these active and elegant fish can provide much enjoyment.


How To Care For And Enjoy Cichlids

Of the many species of tropical fresh-water fish one can keep in an aquarium, cichlids are one of the most lovely and interesting. These active and boldly-hued fish originate from the lakes and ponds of South America and Africa, but the latter kind is more common. In order to raise and maintain these fish in optimal health, it is necessary to understand their particular needs.

Although this type of fish belong to one family, there is a huge amount of diversity in their appearance in terms of shape and color. With eye-catching patterns and markings, these fish come in brilliant shades of yellow, pink, orange, blue and other colors too. It is is quite possible to end up with a tankful of fish that all look unique from one another.

Some other species of tropical fish do not do fare very well in large quantities together. Cichlids on the other hand are actually better off in large populations as they are very territorial; if there are many fish there will simply not be sufficient space for any one to do this. More fish is actually safer for this species.

It is a good idea to have a larger-sized tank as it will lend itself to maintaining the water quality better. These fish tend to grow larger than some other tropical fish, so the space will be useful. Each fish may behave differently, one may like to hide while others are more explorative. Having enough plants and ornaments is important so the fish can swim about them and hide in them if desired.

The tank's temperature needs to be kept constant at 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, as fluctuations can encourage illnesses. The water must be changed bi-weekly and have a little aquarium salt added to it; while they are fresh-water fish, they are still accustomed to a slightly saline water and salt also wards off some diseases. If water is too soft, some aragonite can be added to the tank as this increases hardness and cichlids fare better in harder water.

If someone is setting up a tank with these fish for the first time, it will be necessary to properly balance the growth of bacteria in the tank beforehand, this is known as "cycling". To cycle the tank, an inexpensive feeder fish such as minnows can be added to the tank before the cichlids. They will establish the right flora and fauna in the tank. The cichlids need to be added at one time, not staggered. The feeders will likely be eaten by them but that is acceptable at this point because their job is done.

The fish need to be fed two times each day. They are a type of fish that is omnivorous, which means they can eat vegetation and other creatures. The healthiest diet for them consists of special cichlid pellets and spirulina. Special food is ideal in order for them to grow to their full potential and maintain their vivid colors. Overfeeding must be avoided as it can sicken the fish and contaminate the water.

This information is very important to put to practice when establishing a tank with cichlids. If this unique species is to thrive and be healthy, its particular requirements must be met. With proper care, these bold and lively fish will be a pleasure to keep.


Keeping, Caring For And Enjoying Cichlids

For aquarium enthusiasts, cichlids are an excellent choice in a tropical fish. Both highly active and a thing of beauty, this species of fish is naturally found in the fresh water lakes and ponds of South America and Africa; but the African varieties are more common. These fish are unique and have some specific requirements that need to be met if they are to be kept healthy and happy.

This species of fish are an excellent choice for aquarium enthusiasts who want fish who are fascinating to look at and also very lively. Although they are all from one family, every fish may have its own distinctive markings and pattern setting it apart from the rest. With their glorious shades of yellow, orange, pink, blue and more colors the result is a tank filled with beauty.

Whereas many types of fish do better if their numbers are less, the opposite is true with cichlids. Because they are highly territorial, it is best to have more of them rather than less as the reduced space will inhibit territorial behavior in any one fish. These fish are safer and happier in larger groups.

It will be necessary to have a larger size aquarium to safely house such a volume of fish and maintain water quality. Cichlids can grow larger than many other species so the space is needed for that reason too. Fish may act differently from each other; some may like to explore and others prefer to hide. Providing a selection of plants and ornaments fish can hide and swim through is good to do.

Water should be changed every second week and have a bit of aquarium salt added to it. Cichlids are fresh water fish, but the waters they originate it are somewhat saline and salt also helps prevent some diseases. Temperature of the water should be fairly constant around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit, without fluctuations preferably as these can result in illness. They also thrive better in hard water; if water is softened, some aragonite should be added to increase water hardness in the tank.

If starting out with this species for the first time, it is important to properly "cycle" the tank first. This refers to the process of properly balancing helpful microorganisms in the water and can be done by first adding some inexpensive feeders such as minnows who can accomplish this. When the tank is cycled, the cichlids can be added, which should be done at one time not in installments. They will eat the feeders, but this is acceptable as they will have already done what they were there for.

Cichlids are omnivores; meaning they enjoy a diet of both plant and meat foods. Feeding them twice each day is recommended. Food should be specifically formulated for their species and pellets are ideal, along with some spirulina. Special food will better enable them to grow and maintain color intensity. Overfeeding must be avoided as it can make them sick and also pollute the water.

Following these important steps and taking these precautions will ensure a tankful of healthy and flourishing cichlids. Their special needs must not be overlooked or fish death may occur. Proper care and maintenance should result in a lively, thriving tank of gorgeous fish.



