| General: |
Cichlids comprise a large
family of freshwater fish. They are found in North, Central and South
America, Africa, and a few species in Asia. Cichlids are popular because
they are hardy, grow quickly, and have interesting behavior. They also
exhibit fascinating breeding patterns and are one of the few families of
fish that care for their young. Cichlids like to establish territories in
the tank, and this sometimes leads to conflicts and "aggressive"
behavior. If you set-up a Cichlid tank properly you will be able to enjoy
a truly fascinating tank. Be sure to purchase a book on Cichlids.
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Tank Conditions: |
This community tank is
suitable for tanks 20 gallon or more with standard filtration and heating.
(For filtration we recommend an undergravel filter and an outside power
filter.) Because many of these fish will grow, best results are obtained
if you use a tank of 30 gallons or more. Plastic plants are best because
these fish may uproot live plants. Temperature range 75-82. Maintain at
least 1 tablespoon of salt per 5 gallons. Decorate with a variety of rocks
and hiding spots. Make sure all fish are of similar size. You can purchase
Cichlids in singles or groups. Keep the tank well populated, and the fish
will not try to establish territories. Therefore fighting will be reduced.
When adding new fish, rearrange ornaments (territories) to reduce
aggression.
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Feeding: |
One advantage of these
community fish is that you don’t have to feed them as frequently. Feed
once or twice a day with standard foods such as Doromin, brine shrimp,
plankton, bloodworms and algae tablets for your catfish. An occasional
missed feeding will not hurt. Larger fish can be fed pellets and krill.
Occasional live food such as live brine, ghost shrimp, guppies, or small
goldfish is recommended for best color.
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Fish Choices:
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(Fish
should be of similar size.)
Barbs:
Large Rosy Barb,
Large Tiger Barb,
Tinfoil Barb
Catfish:
Plecostomus Catfish, Pimodella
Catfish, Porthole Catfish
Cichlids:
Blue Acara Cichlid, Convict Cichlid, Festae
Cichlid, Firemouth Cichlid, Green
Terror Cichlid, Jack Dempsey
Cichlid, Manganese Cichlid, Pike
Cichlid, Port Cichlid, Rainbow Cichlid,
Red Devil Cichlid, Red
Tilapia Cichlid, Salvani Cichlid,
Texas Cichlid
Eels:
Large Fire Eel
Danios: Large Giant Danio
in groups
Knifefish:
Large African Knifefish
Sharks:
Black Shark,
Red Tail
Shark,
Red Rainbow
Shark
,
Tricolor Shark
Other Fish:
Large Chinese Algae Eater, Annostomus, Wolf
fish, Abrimites Headstander,
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