Table of Contents
Where do cichlids come from?
Nowadays they can be found in most tropical areas of the world, but aquarium species are usually from Africa or South America, with a few from Asia and Europe. African varieties tend to be from one of Africa’s three great lakes: Lake Malawi, Lake Victoria, or Lake Tanganyika. These lakes contain more species of cichlids than anywhere in the world.
Are there cichlids in the Amazon River?
The Amazon River is home to many South American cichlids, but some species can be found in slow-moving streams across the continent, and even up into Central America. In South American rainforests, there is a group of small fish, usually called dwarf cichlids. These cichlids are only about 0.5 inches long.
What is the reproductive behavior of African cichlids?
One of the differences studied in African cichlids is reproductive behavior. Some species pit spawn and some are known as mouth brooders. Mouthbrooding is a reproductive technique where the fish scoop up eggs and fry for protection. While this behavior differs from species to species in the details, the general basis of the behavior is the same.
What type of cichlids lay eggs in the open?
Open- or substrate-brooding cichlids lay their eggs in the open, on rocks, leaves, or logs. Examples of open-brooding cichlids include Pterophyllum and Symphysodon species and Anomalochromis thomasi. Male and female parents usually engage in differing brooding roles.
Cichlids are one of the very popular types of aquarium fish. Due to their distinct colors and aggressive nature, they are of great charm to a wide range of aquarists. This Fish originates from South America from an area with a rock-solid base within a freshwater lake.
What kind of fish clings to the side of the tank?
They look to the Plecostomus, the suckerfish that clings to the side of the tank. The only problem there is that the common pleco can reach an adult size of two feet and is not appropriate for most home aquariums.
What is the best fish for a cichlid tank?
Schooling fish, including most of the Tetra species, as well as some of the Barbs, are excellent for the middle level of a community tank. Mid-dwelling fish are often selected as dither fish for cichlid tanks, particularly schools of active fish.
Are angelfish good for freshwater aquariums?
The Angelfish is among the most beautiful species you can get for your freshwater aquarium. It comes in all shapes, sizes and colors. The Angelfish is naturally spotted in South America, in many rivers, including the Amazon. They slow moving water, that is full of driftwood and other great places for hiding in.