African Cichlids – Malawi – Tanganjika-Lake


African Cichlids?

January 4th, 2012 · 7 Comments

Question ~Destiny~ : African Cichlids?
What type of aquarium environment is best, tank mates that do well with cichlids,# of fish total in 10 or 20 gallon tank,and anything else you think might be useful to know ??

Best Answer:

Answer by desperatehw
Such cool fish. I love them. Check out this Petco check sheet to see what they require and if you’ve got it. I once had one I named “Einstein” which translates to “one stone” because he built himself a little den under a rock by removing the gravel one stone at a time. So cute.

© 2004, PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. All rights reserved. (0915) 1 of 2
There are over 1,200 species of cichlids, the majority of which are found in
Africa. African cichlids are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish.
They are known for their interesting behaviors, extroverted personalities, and
pleasing appearances.
Is an African cichlid the right choice for your aquarium?
If you answered “Yes” to these statements, an African cichlid may be the right choice for you! Continue reading
about how to care for an African cichlid and consult with a PETCO associate to learn more. PETCO is committed
to responsible aquarium care.
Average Size 2 to 10+ inches long, depending on species Life Span Depends on species
Diet Food may be flaked, dried, frozen, or live
Avoid exclusive food which is not nutritionally complete
Feeding Depending on species and size, feed small amounts two or three times a day, no more than
fish can eat in three to five minutes
Thaw frozen foods before feeding
Housing African cichlids should be kept in an appropriate size aquarium
Provide plenty of substrate, rocks, and hiding places, especially during spawning
Water temperature should range from 72° F. to 82° F.
Stable water quality, water temperature, and pH levels are critical to the health of fish. If
you are unsure of your water quality or pH levels, PETCO provides free water testing.
Recommended
Supplies
Yes No Check “Yes” or “No” after reading the following statements:
❑ ❑ 1. I have room for an appropriate size aquarium.
❑ ❑ 2. The African cichlid would be compatible with my other
aquarium inhabitants.
❑ ❑ 3. I can commit to providing proper care for this African cichlid.
❑ ❑ 4. A mature person will provide responsible and primary care for this fish.
❑ Appropriate size aquarium ❑ Aquarium cover ❑ Net
❑ Water conditioner ❑ Appropriate food ❑ Filter
❑ Water test kit ❑ Aquarium salt ❑ Décor
❑ Thermometer ❑ Appropriate lighting ❑ Airstone
❑ Heater ❑ Substrate ❑ Air pump
❑ Book about African cichlids or freshwater aquariums
African Cichlids
Includes electric blue johanni, red zebra, and livingston
2 of 2 SKU 927090 © 2004, PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. All rights reserved. (0915)
Characteristics Expand fins and gill covers as defense mechanism
Can learn to recognize their mate, as well as their owner
Habitat
Maintenance
Check filter, other equipment and temperature daily
Check water quality at least once a week
Change 10–25% of the total volume of water every two to four weeks, or as needed
Introduce new fish to the aquarium gradually
Compatibility Cichlids may become aggressive and territorial
Signs of a
Healthy Fish
Common
Health Issues
Signs of Illness
If you notice any of these signs, test water quality and improve as necessary.
Preventing
Common
Health Issues
Avoid crowded conditions; they are a major cause of stress and disease
Maintain good water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration
Sources Aquarium Fish by Dick Mills
Cichlids: A Complete Introduction by Dr. Robert J. Goldstein
Tropical Fish: Setting Up and Maintaining Fresh and Marine Aquaria by Reginald Dutta
Note: The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional
information, please refer to the above sources or contact your veterinarian as appropriate.
Loss of color or appetite Spots or fungus on body or mouth
Erratic swimming Frayed fins
Health Issue (alpha) Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action
Fin Rot Frayed or disintegrating fins.
The base of the fins usually
reddens
Improve water quality; commercial
antibiotics may be effective
Ich White spots appear on fins
and body; fish rubs against
hard objects or swims
awkwardly
Quarantine fish immediately.
Use a commercial Ich remedy for at
least two weeks
Clear eyes Healthy appetite
Bright, even coloring Clean in appearance
African Cichlids
Includes electric blue johanni, red zebra, and livingston

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Cyphotilapia Frontosa African Cichlid Lake Tanganyika.

June 2nd, 2011 · 2 Comments

they were at there colorfulest so i made this. Video Bewertung: 5 / 5

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What is the maximum amount of African Cichlids I should have in a 20 gallon long aquarium?

January 9th, 2011 · 7 Comments

Frage von cool : What is the maximum amount of African Cichlids I should have in a 20 gallon long aquarium?
I just wanted to know how many African Cichlids i could have in a 20 gallon long aquarium Thanks!
im thinking about getting the smaller species Julidochromis
Well all yall that say 0 my aunt has four in a 20 gallon and they have plenty of room and she has had them for a while

Beste Antwort:

Answer by Gary C
Since African cichlids can be anywhere from one inch long to 40 inches long, and some are fairly peaceful while others will kill anything in sight, it’s impossible to answer that question.

What species of African cichlid are you thinking of keeping?

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Q&A: Can african cichlids and convicts breed?

January 5th, 2011 · No Comments

Frage von Korey : Can african cichlids and convicts breed?
My mom had two cichlids and I was only sure about one. I knew he was a convict. My mom says the other one was an african cichlid. They ended up having babies. Could this cichlid really be an african cichlid and breed with convicts? Or Was this a convict who’s stripes didn’t show?

Beste Antwort:

Answer by Matt
it could be possible but unlikely because africans don’t take kindly to convicts. there are africans that have markings similar to convicts though

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Tropical Fish Fun – the New Tank…

December 8th, 2010 · No Comments

Tropical Fish Fun – the New Tank…

My wife and I had kept tropical fish before, but we wanted to do something different. So we decided to reconstruct the fireplace – a typical modern affair with no real quality or style – into a 7 foot long 4 foot deep paradise for fish…and eventually into an African Cichlid sanctuary…

Having got some real clever mathematician to work out that the weight of the water and tank was indeed supportable in our house (! – you’ll never believe how many people don’t check that out, especially those in apartments), we set about planning the aquarium with delight…

The tank was to stand on ornamental stone blocks which a local builder fixed in place. We needed to talk to a specialist tank supplier as the tank we were building was just a little out of the ordinary – and finally several weeks later the tank arrived. (more…)

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Question and Answer About Ph and Kh Problems in an African Cichlid Aquarium

October 30th, 2010 · No Comments

Question:

One of these days I'm going to write down the chemistry for pH, kH and GH and maybe I will remember it, eventually. But for now I new some advice. I got many good suggestions on my fairly new mbuna tank and thus far it has been going very well but something is amiss with my water. My tap water comes out at about 7.6 pH. I have about 30 pounds of holey rock in there currently. But, for some reason my pH seems to be dropping. Currently it is approaching 7.2

My gH is still pretty high 200 or so, but my kH has also started dropping from around 120 to currently just under 80. Nitrates are between 10 and 20. 0-0 on the bad stuff. I am doing 30-40% weekly water changes. I have 16 fishes in a 55 gal between 1 1/2 and 3". I may need yet another reminder about water chemistry or could it be my 'mystery' substrate. Along with some small tan gravel which I have used in many tanks with no apparent detriment, I also have maybe 15 # of stuff that was given to me a while back along with my first cichlids, a little tank etc. I have no idea what it is but she mentioned it was "supposed to be good for aquarium plants". It is approximately 1/3 each of black, brick red and tan stone. Though relatively small they are more like little chips than rounded pebbles – fairly jagged and rough on the edges. Then again it may not be this at all. Any ideas? (more…)

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Pseudotropheus Elongatus - One of the Original Mbuna | tropical fish

October 18th, 2010 · No Comments

Pseudotropheus elongatus has always been a favorite African Cichlid of mine.

Maybe  it is the sleek, torpedo shape knifing through the waters of the aquarium, unlike most other types of fish which are built much more like…well, fish!  Or possibly the brilliant, usually blue and black vertical striped  colourations, are what attracted me in the first place, and hold me fascinated as they swim.  There are some other morphs and colorations coming into the trade as time goes by, but the blue and black bars of an alpha male will always be my favorite pattern for this fish.

Most likely it is the way they carry themselves with pure attitude, from fry on up that makes them so memorable.  Rarely do they allow themselves to be bullied, and generally end up as the fish to be concerned about when new additions are added.  They are already kings and queens and will ensure the rest are aware of their status.  An alpha male, patrolling the aquarium and ensuring all others flee when near is a spectacle I can watch for hours. (more…)

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