Diamond cichlazoma - a living treasure of the aquarium collection

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Brilliant cichlazoma is a large territorial fish with a high body flattened laterally. This breed is native to the waters of northern Mexico and Texas, which is why it is also called the "Pearl of Texas". It is believed that the fish is able to recognize its owner. The description of aquarium fish of this breed should begin with their main decoration, which consists of emerald, blue luminous spots that cover the entire body of the fish in relief, they merge into continuous stripes on the gill covers.

In the aquarium, this beauty reaches a length of 20 cm. Under good conditions, large cichlids live up to almost 20 years. You can accurately determine the sex of a pet at the age of about one year after reaching sexual maturity. The males of these fish are larger, their color is brighter, and their behavior is more aggressive towards representatives of their breed. With age, a massive fatty pad grows on the forehead of the male. The anal and dorsal fin of the female is rounded, while that of the male is pointed.

Features of behavior and conditions of detention

Diamond cichlazoma is characterized by aggressive behavior towardsrepresentatives of their breed. The struggle of males for their territory can lead to the death of weaker fish, so it is better to keep one pair per 100 liters of volume. Caring for the diamond cichlazoma is a little difficult due to the fish's love to tear the soil in the aquarium.

For this reason, you should choose a large soil, fairly strong plants and a powerful filter. Plants should be planted in separate pots, protected from being dug up by stones that the fish cannot turn over. The diamond cichlazoma is suited to terrain with plenty of cover. The following are considered indicators of the optimal composition of water: pH 7.5, water hardness 10-15 and temperature in the range of 20-28 ° C. When feeding, preference should be given to animal feed, from time to time alternating with plant food.

Breeding and caring for offspring

Youth, with joint support, independently chooses a couple for themselves, which lasts a lifetime. Parents define their territory, choose a place for the nest and fiercely guard it from strangers. A clear sign of readiness for spawning is a change in color.

The tail half of the body of the fish becomes almost black and the rest becomes light in color. Diamond cichlazoma can spawn up to 1000 eggs on a flat stone, but most often their number is 3 times less. Diamond cichlases have a highly developed parental instinct, the fish will monitor the cleanliness of their nest, devoutly guard the caviar andfry. After spawning, many aquarists advise leaving one fish, since a showdown related to upholding parental rights is not excluded. During this period, it is better not to disturb the fish, because due to stress, cases of eating their own caviar and fry are not uncommon.

Diamond cichlazoma needs the right selection of neighbors. For joint keeping, it is desirable to choose proportionate or nimble fish, those that grew up together get along best. If a pair for the diamond cichlazoma was later chosen by the aquarist himself, at first it is necessary to carefully observe how they get along together. In order for the fish to appear in all its glory, in addition to good conditions, it is necessary to pay attention to proper lighting.