FISH4PLEASURE's cichlid page

What are cichlids and why keep them?? Cichlids (pronounced sick-lids) are Pearch like fish, by definition a cichlid is any of 85 genera of fresh and brackish water fishes that make up the Cichlid family in the Pearch order. Just because it's not cichlidae or cichlisoma doesn't mean it's not a cichlid. Just read a book or ask me. There are so many fish out there,why cichlids? Personality!! Each and every Cichlid has it's own personality. From feeding behaviors to breeding behaviors each one is an individual.You will eventually be able to tell two identical "looking" fish apart just by the way they act,it is amazing! There are drawbacks though! These fish usually become large in accordance they need more space,more food,and more of your time. All of these things could prove expensive.Those are your drawbacks in comparison with other fish. The benefits way out number the disadvantages though!!

• Tank size. It depends on what fish and how many of them!The bigger the adult fish the bigger the tank!! But as a general rule just for keeping these fish the bigger the tank the better.One inch of adult fish per gallon is a good rule to live by to keep from over crowding
• Filtration. There is no such thing as over filtration. Undergravel,canister,hanging,biowheel,wet dry,and trickle filters can all be used for these fish. You need to find out what is practical for you if you need help e mail me.
• Heat. These fish are all Central American,South America and African native fish. They need warm water, a heater is needed. Keep the water at between 78 and 82 degrees.
• Decor. Cichlids love to have lots of places to hide close to the bottom. Rocks,driftwood,and plants just as the most common examples. There are many other things you can use. Bricks for instance. Whatever you use,use as much as you can without cluttering your tank.
• Aggresiveness. These fish are some of the most aggressive fish alive so try to keep compatible species together. You still have to watch them closely though,because they don't always get along just because a book says they do ,or anyone else for that matter. It's just an experiment with every new fish!
• Food. These fish have diverse tastes in food also. Most of them love live food with a few exceptions. You cannot feed it to them all the time though,it's not healthy and makes their color drab so give them a variation. Live food today,pellet food tommorow,a blend of both the next and so on.Keep them guessing and they will like it more and be more healthy.

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