2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21
There is an opinion that all types of cichlids, photos of which will be presented, are endowed with intellectual abilities. In intelligence, they differ from many other fish. In addition, they like to establish their own orders in the tank. That is why these beautiful large fish are recommended to be kept in a separate aquarium. They swim closer to see a person near the aquarium, and react to the appearance of the owner.
Brief description of the family
Description of cichlid species is better to start with general information. They belong to the Tsikhlovs. They mainly live in fresh water bodies of South America and Asia. Found in Lake Tanganyika (Africa) and Madagascar.
Most species are quite unpretentious in their care. It is worth describing the most popular representatives from more than one thousand variations.
Akara turquoise
This type of cichlid grows up to 15-20 centimeters. The scales shimmer with a greenish-blue sheen. Hence the name of the fish. There is a bright orange stripe on the caudal and dorsal fins. Males have a brighter color. They also develop fat on their foreheads. femalesaggressive.
Keep a couple of these fish in an aquarium with a volume of three hundred liters. It can be decorated with snags, large stones. One pair of acara turquoise will be able to share housing with catfish, black-banded cichlids.
Akara Maroni
The individual grows within 5-10 centimeters. The body is rounded, dense. The anal and part of the dorsal fin are long. A noticeable dark streak passes through the eye. There is a black mark in the form of a stripe or spot on the side. The main color of the body is gray-olive.
In its natural environment, lives in slow-flowing rivers. Aquarium individuals are bred on special farms. The fish live in small flocks and are peaceful in nature.
Akara blue-spotted
This type of cichlid is often confused with turquoise acara. But the fish are very different. The body of the bluish-spotted species has an elongated diamond shape. Its length is 7 centimeters. The caudal fin is not forked, short. The head is large, the forehead is wide, but without a bump. The upper fin covers almost the entire back.
The color consists of alternating silver-blue and dark vertical stripes. Also, blue spots are scattered all over the body. The fish are kept in pairs.
False Discus
The body depends on the size of the aquarium. If there is enough space in it, it can become disc-shaped. Aquarium specimens grow up to 15 centimeters. The dorsal and anal fins differ in their length.
Body color is yellow, greenish or colorless. Found among fish andalbinos. The body, especially the gills and head area, is decorated with strokes.
With proper care, pets live up to 15 years. They only recognize one owner. Sometimes this fish is called a philosopher due to its thoughtful disposition.
Dolphin blue
One of the most memorable cichlid species. In the wild, blue dolphins live in Lake Malawi (Africa). The fish has an oval body, a massive forehead, large eyes, thick lips. The body is colored unevenly, the color changes from silver-blue to blue. The fish looks amazing.
Individuals need an aquarium at least one meter long. For a small flock, the volume of the tank should be two hundred liters. In a spacious aquarium, they grow up to 17-20 centimeters. The bottom must be covered with sand.
As males grow older, fat buildup grows on their heads. Keeping in favorable conditions will allow you to enjoy pets up to 15 years.
Zebra
The body of an individual is oval. The dorsal and anal fins are sharp. The length varies between 8-15 centimeters. Life expectancy is about nine years. The body color is gray-blue. It has eight to nine black vertical stripes. It looks like the coloring of a zebra. The color of the fins is transparent or with a yellow tint.
Strong filtration and aeration are necessary to create favorable conditions in the aquarium. A daily 30% water change is also required. Many shelters should be installed at the bottom of the tank.
Parrot fish
The animal was artificially bred. For this they crossseveral types of cichlids. The description and photo of the parrot fish indicate that it differs in the shape of the head and mouth, which resembles a beak. The body is rounded, painted in yellow, orange or red. There are fish of purple, pink and other colors. The fins are the same tone as the body.
Pisces remain active throughout the day. That is why they need a volumetric tank of two hundred liters and a lot of space in it. To avoid trouble, the aquarium should be closed. Fish are jumping.
In addition to the listed species of cichlids, it is worth highlighting the dwarf labidochromis, which is distinguished by its bright yellow color. Its dorsal and lower fins are edged with black, which contrasts well with the general background.
Acara Itani, Astronotus, Pseudotropheus demasoni are also common. The list could go on.
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