AFRICAN CICHLIDS
Perhaps the most popular cichlids are the Rift Lake Cichlids, which are some of the most colorful of all freshwater fishes. Besides the many colorful cichlids from the African lakes, there are others highly prized for patterning and other unique characteristics. These includeas seen in the popular Tropheus genus, feather fins, goby cichlids, sarding cichlids, and shelldwellers to name a few. They prefer a bit of acidic water with ph range of 7.5 to 8.7. They do well in groups in order to spread the aggression.
Like their South American counterparts, there are also some African Cichlids that reach an impressive size, making great specimens for a large show tank. Yet here too there are a few species are not really suitable for the home aquarium due to size. The Boulengerochromis microlepis, which reaches up to 36" (90 cm), is a good example of too big.
Like their South American counterparts, there are also some African Cichlids that reach an impressive size, making great specimens for a large show tank. Yet here too there are a few species are not really suitable for the home aquarium due to size. The Boulengerochromis microlepis, which reaches up to 36" (90 cm), is a good example of too big.
Most African Cichlids available in the hobby have a mix of fascinating characteristics and are a delight to keep.
Lake Malawi Cichlids
The Malawi Cichlids are some of the most brilliantly colored fishes. It is estimated there are over 800 species of Malawi cichlids but with only about 300 currently described by ichthyologists. They fall into two ecological groups, the Mbuna group and the Haplochromis group. Do not mix the two groups in the aquarium, as they are mostly incompatible. Only combining the Utaka from the Haplochromis group with Mbuna is possible if there is plenty of space.
MBUNA
The Mbuna group is endemic to Lake Malawi. They inhabit the rocky areas of the lake. This group contains 12 genera of rock dwelling Mbuna Cichlids, including the well-known Zebra Cichlids. This is a popular group of very active and aggressive personalities, often colored in blues with black bars, and yellows. Eg. Auratus (Yellow, Albino, blue,etc
The Malawi Cichlids are some of the most brilliantly colored fishes. It is estimated there are over 800 species of Malawi cichlids but with only about 300 currently described by ichthyologists. They fall into two ecological groups, the Mbuna group and the Haplochromis group. Do not mix the two groups in the aquarium, as they are mostly incompatible. Only combining the Utaka from the Haplochromis group with Mbuna is possible if there is plenty of space.
MBUNA
The Mbuna group is endemic to Lake Malawi. They inhabit the rocky areas of the lake. This group contains 12 genera of rock dwelling Mbuna Cichlids, including the well-known Zebra Cichlids. This is a popular group of very active and aggressive personalities, often colored in blues with black bars, and yellows. Eg. Auratus (Yellow, Albino, blue,etc
Haplochromis group
The Haplochromis group is another popular African cichlid group that inhabit the more sandy areas and open waters.The colouration of adult males is bright blue. Hence the name (derived from a Greek word).
PEACOCK CICHLIDS
Also called Aulonacara Cichlids. Peacock Cichlids are some of the most intensely colored of all the cichlid varieties. These are generally somewhat larger and more peaceful than the Zebra (mbuna) cichlids.
Other Malawi Cichlids
These include Utaka Cichlids which tend to live in open waters.
Lake Tanganyika Cichlids
Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest lake in the world, is inhabited with almost 250 different species of cichlids and over 150 species of other fish. It is renowned for having two record-breaking inhabitants, the world's largest cichlid at 31" (80 cm) and the world's smallest cichlid at 1.4" (3.5 cm).
Many Tanganyika cichlids are unique in both body shape and in habitat. These include such varieties as the featherfins, gobies, julies, sardines and shell dwellers.
Also larger varieties are present such as Frontosas (Cyphotilapia) and Dolphin (Cyrtocara) cichlid.
Also called Aulonacara Cichlids. Peacock Cichlids are some of the most intensely colored of all the cichlid varieties. These are generally somewhat larger and more peaceful than the Zebra (mbuna) cichlids.
Other Malawi Cichlids
These include Utaka Cichlids which tend to live in open waters.
Lake Tanganyika Cichlids
Lake Tanganyika, the second deepest lake in the world, is inhabited with almost 250 different species of cichlids and over 150 species of other fish. It is renowned for having two record-breaking inhabitants, the world's largest cichlid at 31" (80 cm) and the world's smallest cichlid at 1.4" (3.5 cm).
Many Tanganyika cichlids are unique in both body shape and in habitat. These include such varieties as the featherfins, gobies, julies, sardines and shell dwellers.
Also larger varieties are present such as Frontosas (Cyphotilapia) and Dolphin (Cyrtocara) cichlid.
Goby Cichlids
The Goby Cichlids live close to the shore in shallow waters. Like others in this group, these fish are generally more peaceful and a bit larger than the Zebra Cichlids (mbuna).
Tropheus Cichlids
These are popular Tanganyika cichlids that inhabit the more sandy areas and open waters. They are generally somewhat larger and more peaceful than the Zebra (mbuna) cichlids.The popular Tropheus species are endemic to Lake Tanganyika. They are widely distributed along the coastal fringes of the lake and have many geographic variations. Many have not yet been described.
Lake Victoria Cichlids
There are several hundred vibrantly colored beautiful species of cichlids found in Lake Victoria alone. Other types of East African Cichlids include Victoria Cichlids found in lakes surrounding Lake Victoria. Others are native to African rivers and streams, and live in a wide variety of habitats.
Dwarf Cichlids - West African Cichlids
Many West African cichlids are native to African rivers and streams, living a wide variety of habitats. These include the interesting and beautiful African Dwarf Cichlids such as the popular Kribensis.
The Goby Cichlids live close to the shore in shallow waters. Like others in this group, these fish are generally more peaceful and a bit larger than the Zebra Cichlids (mbuna).
Tropheus Cichlids
These are popular Tanganyika cichlids that inhabit the more sandy areas and open waters. They are generally somewhat larger and more peaceful than the Zebra (mbuna) cichlids.The popular Tropheus species are endemic to Lake Tanganyika. They are widely distributed along the coastal fringes of the lake and have many geographic variations. Many have not yet been described.
Lake Victoria Cichlids
There are several hundred vibrantly colored beautiful species of cichlids found in Lake Victoria alone. Other types of East African Cichlids include Victoria Cichlids found in lakes surrounding Lake Victoria. Others are native to African rivers and streams, and live in a wide variety of habitats.
Dwarf Cichlids - West African Cichlids
Many West African cichlids are native to African rivers and streams, living a wide variety of habitats. These include the interesting and beautiful African Dwarf Cichlids such as the popular Kribensis.