The mbuna as they are known (pronounced mmm-boon-a or mu-boon-a,) are hardy, easy to keep, easy to breed, and widely available. Alternatively, if saltwater fish are truly what you are after, our Saltwater Specialists are more than happy to assist you in getting started with a saltwater tank.Above: Cynotilapia afra has the mbuna's classic blue vertical bars.įishkeepers the world over struck gold with the introduction of the small colourful rock dwelling cichlids from East Africa’s Lake Malawi. The Ocean Floor is a great place to assist you in starting your cichlid tank because of our extensive selection and ordering capabilities and our team of Cichlid Enthusiasts. They are beautiful, entertaining to watch, and can develop a unique bond with their owners. When undergone with the proper care, education, and preparation, keeping cichlids can be an extremely fulfilling hobby. It is important to decide ahead of time which type of cichlid aquarium you wish to keep and then learn what you can about its requirements before introducing any fish. While not as intensive as many other pets, caring for cichlids is still a major commitment. This is usually because the aquarium owner did not fully understand the nature of their fish since they viewed them as an easier substitute for what they truly wanted and was not prepared for the reality of cichlid ownership. Unfortunately, this reasoning often leads to frustration on the part of the fish keeper because the fish “just keep fighting and won’t get along”. Many people start keeping cichlids because they want colorful fish and feel intimidated by saltwater. If you are intending to breed your cichlids, we highly recommend speaking to one of the specialists at The Ocean Floor to learn the specific needs of the species. Cichlids are egg-layers, but there are quite different breeding habits between cichlids. Most Cichlids breed pretty readily and are easy to care for their fry (baby fish). Avoid mixing cichlids of differing requirements. Since cichlids originate from wide and varied climate areas, it is important to learn and follow the specific environmental needs of the cichlid(s) you are considering. This will help break up sightlines and give tankmates a place to hide if your cichlid is ever feeling grumpy.
Tank overcrowding can result in aggression.Ī final key to success is to provide plenty of hiding spaces and decorations. It is always better to err on the side of too large of a tank than too small. Your cichlids will need to be housed in an appropriately sized tank. Also bear in mind that temperaments may vary between cichlids of the same species just like people, fish have their own unique personalities! If you are wishing to build a community tank that includes cichlids, you will need to carefully select your cichlid breeds and tankmates. Though some cichlids are able to be kept in a Semi-Aggressive Community Aquarium, most of the time cichlids are very aggressive and a specific cichlid aquarium must be kept to avoid tankmates becoming lunch for the new fish. In relation to Aquarium Suitable Species, Cichlids are primarily classified into the following groups: The Cichlids you will find at The Ocean Floor are Tropical or warmer in temperature. Most North American Species are unsuitable to be kept in an Aquarium and/or are illegal to keep in the United States. North America is home to several Coldwater Cichlid Species including the Texas Cichlid, Bass, Sunfish, Perch, and Bluegill. Madagascar is an excellent example, containing multiple unique indigenous species including a few cichlids that are exclusive to the island. Where Cichlids are FoundĬichlid varieties can be found in North America, South America, Africa, and Asia, as well as a few islands. They come in a broad variety of colors and shapes, and their sizes can range from about an inch to nearly three feet long! Cichlids are also close relatives of certain saltwater or marine fish such as Damselfish, Wrasses, and Groupers because they share certain distinguishing characteristics. Dive into the wide world of cichlid keeping with us! About CichlidsĬichlids are fish from the Cichlidae family, comprising between 2,000 and 3,000 species of fish. A little more than half of our selling tanks and most of our display aquariums are allocated to cichlids. Cichlids comprise the largest family of freshwater fish and their diverse representation at The Ocean Floor is no exception.
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