Along with all the other ornamental fish that made their way early from the tropics and subtropics into home aquariums, many representatives of the extensive and diverse family of Cichlidae (Cichlids) were included.
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A pair of vibrant cichlids glides gracefully through their underwater world, bringing color and life to the aquarium
Most cichlids come from Africa. The majority of African species are found in the lakes of East Africa. They are also present in Central and South America, Madagascar, and parts of Asia. They mainly live in freshwater, but some can also be found in brackish water environments (like the Indian Cichlid).
One of the best-known hotspots for cichlids is undoubtedly Lake Malawi in East Africa. Unique geographical circumstances in the formation history of this “freshwater sea” have created a unique fish fauna.
Scientists believe it took over 2 million years for the over 700m deep basin in the African Rift Valley to fill with water. More than 70% of the species living here are cichlids, all of which are endemic, meaning they only exist in this area and nowhere else on Earth! A fantastic example adaptability.
Popular cichlids for home aquariums include Angelfish, Discus fish, and Butterfly cichlids, which belong to the smaller species.
© Dewald / stock.adobe.com
The size variance and vibrant colours of this group are as impressive as their variety. While the disc-shaped angelfish resemble an arrow, Checkerboard Cichlids are more elongated. The same applies to the mouth shape, which is adapted to their specific dietary needs. Enthusiasts may shake their heads in disbelief when hearing the term “perch” mistakenly used for this fish family. True perches have four nostrils and a divided dorsal fin; cichlids, however, have only two nostrils and a single continuous dorsal fin.
Many believe that they are quite aggressive, though this doesn’t apply to all species. Often, this behaviour results from poor living conditions. It’s especially crucial during breeding times to provide enough space. Due to their strong territorial behaviour, they tend to be aggressive during this period. It’s always essential to research the behaviour and needs of these fish before purchasing.
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© Mirko Rosenau / stock.adobe.com
© Iliuta / stock.adobe.com
The size of the aquarium should match the cichlids’ size. Of course, the bigger, the better. As mentioned before, their territorial behaviour should be considered in the aquarium setup. For instance, some dwarf species can be kept in tanks from 54L onwards. Just as diverse as cichlid species are their needs, which must be reflected in the aquarium setup. For herbivorous, heavily planting the aquarium isn’t sensible as they also eat aquarium plants. Other species are also diggers, uprooting plants.
Cichlid diets are as varied as the fish themselves. They range from carnivores and herbivores to omnivores and algae eaters. Carnivores should be provided with a protein-rich diet, while a high-protein diet can cause health issues for herbivores. It’s crucial to consider each fish’s dietary needs and adjust feeding accordingly. Dry food (granules and sticks, flakes) is an important part of their diet, usually containing all essential nutrients. Live food is a treat for predatory species.
What makes this specie particularly interesting is their unique form of brood care and courtship behaviour. Their gestures are so expressive you could almost describe them as “communicative”. Cichlids are known for their intense brood care and consistent defence of their territory.
There are open-brooders, cave-brooders, and mouth-brooders. Open-brooders and cave-brooders lay their eggs on substrates (rocks, leaves, roots), with cave-brooders seeking shelter in caves for egg-laying.
Mouth-brooders protect their young by carrying the eggs or larvae in their mouth, meaning they aren’t tied to a specific territory and only defend it briefly, which is advantageous for aquarium keeping. This fish group has something for everyone, and it usually doesn’t take long before one comes to appreciate and even love the fascinating behaviours behind the seemingly odd traits of cichlids.
© Ovidiu Iordachi / stock.adobe.com
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