African cichlids: species diversity, description and content in the aquarium

Nice to have in the home aquarium as particles of nature, and doubly happy when it is inhabited by unusual and exotic fish, shimmering with bright colors. Very common and very diverse are the African cichlids that differ in size, shape and striking appearance.

Birthplace of fish

All members of the family Ciclovia live in the African Great lakes, among which are Kivu, albert, Edward, Rudolph, Nyasa, Tanganyika and Victoria (listed in ascending order of area). Best studied the inhabitants of the two last ponds, where they occupied all the ecological niches that may be available to fish. In another African lake – Malawi - there are about 500 species.

The Total number of these unusual and colorful fish – 1,500 species. It is known that they all evolved from one ancestor, rapid divergence (10 million years) contributed to the modern diversity. According to recent reports, lake Victoria African cichlids consisted of 200 species, and they differ in food preference and the morphological features. It is an amazing fact. Especially given the fact that the lake was formed about 400 thousand years ago and that active speciation needs more time and isolation of populations from each other. Aquarists fish attract not only with their external beauty, but a funny behavior, intelligence, it is believed that they are able to recognize its owner.

African Cichlids: description

This is a fairly massive fish with high body compressed from sides and large head, which in males with age fat is formed “pillow”. Anal and dorsal fins are elongated along the trunk, in many species sexual dimorphism is observed. Sizes range from 5 to 70 cm, in particular the African tilapia reaches up to half a meter in length. For home detention, they are interesting for its vibrant tropical beauty. It is believed that this is typical of predators that is fundamentally wrong. With the right choice you will be able to easily and seamlessly allocate them to other fish. They live long even in captivity can contain up to 25 years.

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Forage

There is every reason to think that the African cichlids were common omnivorous or insectivorous ancestor. Eventually they evolved and developed a very narrow specification, each species occupied a specific niche of food: shellfish, algae, plankton, insects, other fish and their scales, etc. This division is allowed to coexist to a large number of individuals together, while maintaining the rich diversity. This fact cannot be ignored when the content of the cichlids in the home aquarium. However, the special difficulties it is not delivered.

African cichlids: content

Lake cichlids are very decorative, one of their pros – quick adaptation to new habitat conditions. They're not demanding food, disease-resistant, not picky about water temperature and is able to reproduce in the environment in which they live. One of the main features – poor tolerance of acidic and soft water should be pH=7.0 and 5.8, the temperature is sufficient to maintain the level of +25°C. In nature in its natural habitat the water is unchanged, so the fish do not tolerate temperature fluctuations, moreover, some representatives of lake Tanganyika temperature rise above 30°C to death.

The Mandatory attribute of the aquarium in which they live African cichlids, it is the design of decorative elements. So, it is recommended to build a simulation of the natural rock formations of the rocks, with corridors and caves. It is best if this design will be located at the back wall of the aquarium in its full height. Allowed the use of limestone and marble. To plant is not accepted, however, you can add to the interior of oak, lemongrass. But to have green algae should, moreover, you have to let them braid the stones and the side wall of the vessel. To organic contaminants cichlids sensitive, so be sure to put a carbon filter, regularly change the water, but not more than 10 % per week of the total.

Common types

To Enumerate all the species of fish contained in aquariums, in one article is impossible, we will only focus your attention on a few.

1. Princess of Burundi – occupant O. Tanganyika, is considered to be insectivores. Is jumping ability, so the aquarium is recommended to cover the glass. African cichlids (pictured above) this species are characterized by noble sand color with a blue tint and gold "catkins" on the Gill covers. For the full contents of the necessary flock of 6-10 individuals.
2. Blue Dolphin. Adult fish characteristic color, the males with a big fat knot on her forehead. This is one of the major representatives of the cichlids and even when the content in the aquarium can grow up to 25 cm in length. Is a calm and even-tempered fish, peacefully coexisting with other species.
3. Melanochromis Johans – small fish size up to 10 cm with clear sexual dimorphism. Males are blackish-blue with light blue stripes or spots (second photo), females – yellow-orange. Very mobile,omnivorous.
4. Hummingbirds – lives in lake Malawi, a rare species, but thanks to breeders common in aquariums. Has a characteristic Canary-yellow, the anal and dorsal fin with a blue stripe. Breeding pair and need an aquarium of at least 80 l volume.
5. Queen of Tanganyika – bold and bright the fish are blue with dark stripes (in the first photo). Grow up to 35 cm in length, males with an impressive forehead, different power and measured behavior, an interesting personality and wit. Favourite food – snails, the primary food – squid, fish fillet, shrimp.