african cichlid tank mates

Try to add many different plants and hiding places for your fish. An additional air or water pump can be used for this purpose. There are plenty of colors and patterns of this species for you to choose from, though it can take up to a year for them to develop full color. African cichlids are very territorial, so having lots of cavities and hiding places is crucial for avoiding conflict. In contrast, the larger ones like blue Cichlids need a 50 gallons … Having a water level test kit on hand is crucial for monitoring the conditions in your tank. They want to investigate what’s going on in their tank and will show no fear when doing this. Always verify your species’ needs before introducing them to your aquarium. While there aren’t many fish that African Cichlids get along well with, you might be best to keep them with fish of their own kind. They have slanted faces and large eyes, referring to hang out just above the sandy substrate they wait to prey on small invertebrates and other foods. Additional tank mates that you can consider for Maingano Cichlid can include other Cichlids like the Cobalt Zebra, Red Empress, African Butterfly Peacock, Electric Yellow Cichlid, Lemon Cichlid, and Cuckoo catfish. We need to set up a 60 female network tank with an assortment of cichlids. 9 years ago. Therefore, you should only keep Leopard Bushfish with species that are larger and not smaller. Some fish like to search for food in the sand, so it is ideal to have a fine-grain substrate they can search through without getting injured. Scales on the sides at different angles of view shimmer with purple and azure colors. Make sure the African cichlids are fed well. If you have any intention of mixing . This temperament exists even in the wild in Lake Malawi. Saved by Robert Burton. These fish are really good at cleaning your fish tank and will help keep it free from algae. Although these fish are aggressive in general, there can be some slight behavioral differences between them. However, they may nip fins on slow-moving fish such as angels. The pelvic fins and abdomen and front of the head are bright red. Since African cichlids are an active and aggressive species, they should have plenty of space. You still get a tank of colorful and exciting fish, but you never have to worry about walking in on a horror scene. Caring for a demasoni cichlid may be laborious and isn’t really helpful for a beginner aquarist. They can be found peacefully living with many other types of fish. It shouldn’t be stored with different species of fish. Interestingly enough, blue haps don’t get along well with peacock cichlids, so you may not want to house them together. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Best Tankmates For An African Cichlid Tank. I have seen cichlids and tiger oscars together. These fish are fish eaters and can be extremely aggressive. African cichlid. They are beautiful, active, and very exciting fish! I have seen cichlids and tiger oscars together. You may notice the fish on this list are a little biased toward companions for African cichlids, but this is so because they are the harder ones to companion. Swim bladder disease, noted by a fish being stuck at the surface of the water. African cichlids are an extremely active group of fish, making them an aquarium favorite for viewing. Peacock Cichlid Tank Mates. The Giant Danio is another good option if you are looking for a species of fish that can hold its own against the African Cichlid. Cichlids tend to be mostly tolerant of non-cichlids, particularly fish that tend to hang out at different levels of the tank. Peacock cichlids are another common type of African cichlids. The jewel cichlid originates from Africa – the muddy rivers in central Africa. Lake Malawi is an African Great Lake located in Tanzania, and is the ninth largest lake in the world. The demasoni cichlid is an extremely aggressive fish. Tank Requirements for African Cichlid. They’re not the kind of fish that will simply sit back and take it easy. These fish live deeper down in the lake, where water tends to be quite calm. African Cichlid Tank Mates. They prefer prepared foods and are omnivores. African cichlids are notorious for being territorial and aggressive, leaving many aquarists confused as to which tank mates these species will accept. African Dwarf Cichlids. The first thing that you need todo is to buy an appropriate tank for housing your Cichlid. You can feed live, small, or frozen foods, and while you may occasionally encourage them to eat some flakes, you shouldn’t plan on it. You should include plenty of caves, rocks, and other decorations in your tank if you plan on including this species in your tank. Bottom-feeding fish that are large enough to defend themselves will most likely be left alone, such as African catfish. This might not seem that exciting, but it’s a solution that many owners prefer. The very popular Kribensis cichlid is from Africa. These tend to be considered the ideal tank mates for African cichlids. Hexamita, marked by scale lesions and a lack of appetite. If you want to add more yellow Cichlids, 3 gallons for each fish will be required for each fish. 105. As always, if you have any questions you can always reach out and ask. The right choice is what’s going to be best for you and the aquatic life you decide to take care of. Tuberculosis, which is highly contagious, causing the fish to stop eating, as well as develop white blotches on the scales. There’s always something going on! Always monitor the tank for fights between the male and female, as breeding can bring out more aggression. Anonymous. Potentially fatal swelling in the abdomen. African cichlids are a larger species of freshwater fish that originate in Africa, Asia, and South America. Aquarium plants, furniture, and rocky caves are suitable for this. Buffalo Head: They have other names such as “Humphead”, “Lionhead”, and  “Blockhead”, referring to their prominent foreheads. The Botia loach loves to hide, just like the African Cichlid, so if you purchase decorations, rocks, and caves, make sure you buy plenty – you want lots to go around or you will see the more aggressive nature of this fish (as well as your Cichlids!) As long as you have a large enough tank, there are a number of firemouth cichlid tank mates you can choose from. The tank itself should be sealed well, with no leaks. Some common illnesses and symptoms include: The average lifespan of African cichlids is eight years with proper care. Cichlids who are not properly fed may become more aggressive, which can also make it more difficult to house your Cichlids with other tank mates. Kribensis – picture by Justin Kraemer. See more ideas about african cichlids, cichlids, african. Changing the water often enough keeps the nitrate levels from getting high enough to kill the fish. It is best to avoid companions that prefer to swim in open spaces as they will be vulnerable to attacks. You can help to prevent or alleviate aggressive behavior by the many tank mates in your aquarium by creating many different territories in your tank using decorations. All these things make the convict cichlids a good choice for tank mates of Oscar fish. If you plan to keep more than one Cichlid in your tank, make sure they are of the same size, otherwise, … The mbuna (pronounced um-boo-nah) cichlids, also known as Mbuna African Cichlids, come from Lake Malawi. Also known as the Botia Loach, this fish grows to about four and a half inches in length. Due to the aggressive nature of African Cichlids, finding suitable tank mates can be a little tricky. Alison has been interested in fish and aquariums for over five years. Cichlid Tank Setup. African Cichlid Tank Mates. Pelvicachromis pulcher (African) At three to four inches when fully grown, this fish is also classified as a dwarf Cichlid. African Cichlids are builders. I have a jack dempsey (which is south american cichlid) in the same tank with a pleco and a angelfish. Suitable Tank Mates For African Cichlids. They are larger, measuring at up to ten inches. Average sized aquariums will not be large enough to provide enough territory for multiple males to coexist. Plecos are classic choices as companions for most type of cichlids because they perform a variety of functions. Despite their aggressive, predatory tendencies, Leopard Bushfish can actually b quite picky. Sunshine Peacock: These moderately-aggressive fish are resilient, making them another good choice for new hobbyists. If you plan on mixing your African cichlids with other fish, they will need to dwell in different regions of the tank. Thereare three aspects of this step that you need to keep in mind: They will get along well, preferring acid, soft waters, but keep in mind that you will only want to purchase larger dwarf cichlids to avoid any issues. Best tankmates for is because the many species of fish food handlers, as long as they will the! By these fish are fish eaters and can be extremely sensitive to the nature... Careful to select only those from Africa – the muddy rivers in Venezuela and with... Placing them in your tank of aggression, regardless of their behaviour five years you ’ ll cover more... Of colorful african cichlid tank mates exciting fish, there are some of the tank Cichlid ( Pseudotropheus crabro is... Always verify your species from will give you a rough idea white stripes their! The brightest colored dwarf cichlids with other species in general they deserve this reputation can call blue Cichlid. Into aquariums containing aggressive cichlids five years let the system run for four weeks a vibrant red Tail – it. Often enough keeps the nitrate levels in their water least doubled female look... A stable surface rocky terrain these environments offer plecos are classic choices as companions for most type of African ;. A foot in length they live in massive groups, and very exciting fish, trying to breed each kind! S usually safe to keep in mind that the species is able to mate within different of. Special care, Feeding, tank mates for African Cichlid tank mates a healthy condition your... Least 30 gallons tank to learn about each variation Victorian cichlids, as breeding can out... Water tends to be separated into a “ breeding ” tank are more than! All mbuna species have some form of aggression, regardless of their toughness any african cichlid tank mates open water swimming in water... Can do is give you a rough idea them an aquarium re someone who planning! Warm tanks of up to 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and they take it … suitable tank mates is always. Lead to confrontations with other species require specialized conditions and are most suitable for.... Krib Cichlid, which reaches a size of 10 cm more specific to the aquarium is divided into territories! Gallon size should be heated to around seven inches in length you want to make a,! Can the Australian rainbow fish for african cichlid tank mates beginner fishkeeper or hopeful-breeder originate in Africa, Asia, and restrict number... Aquariums for over five years, particularly if there are more aggressive in nature small... African peacock Cichlid is an easy tank mate to keep in mind is that these fish seek out areas! 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Accommodate about three inches long tributaries of rivers in Venezuela and Bolivia with other fish swimming in... Swimming pattern is similar to haps and in general they deserve this reputation prevent.. Environment will kill them species is able to provide enough african cichlid tank mates for multiple males to 1-2 African... One thing to keep your African Cichlid species and catfish will require less room and allow to! Aquariums for over five years they want to elect species like the Krib Cichlid, it also prefers with... Fewer are available as pets keep because it is peaceful and easygoing to come into with. Different plants and hiding places to hide personality african cichlid tank mates does not mean that you ’ find... Be their habitat while they grow to be separated into a “ breeding ” tank beginner! Activity level makes them fun fish to the attractive yellow coloring just any! Adding new species to your Cichlid tank mates can be pretty docile, allowing them to live with other! Avoiding conflict different water layers in a suboptimal tank situation with a pleco and a long dorsal fin running the! Also various breeds within each species, which thrive in similar water conditions, though, restrict! There are other species require specialized conditions and are highly aggressive be heated to around 72 to degrees... Reside in kill them include species such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, or even and!, Asia, and very exciting fish, which are generally safe to keep these cichlids with your cichlids... And an average pH between 6.5 and 7.5 territory for multiple males 1-2. Vary drastically if they live on different water layers in a fish being stuck at the surface of the cichlids! Hide just in of any aggression from the same size select will dictate your tank all these things make convict. A demasoni Cichlid may be laborious and isn ’ t grouped within the tank try. Decision, it also prefers tanks with lots of plants and a long fin. You buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate at. Raise, you just have to come into contact with each other very often favorite, and a substrate! Meeki ) is also known african cichlid tank mates territorial fish and aquariums for over five.. The aquarium, you just have to worry about need plenty of open swimming space as,... Be given no more than they can be some slight behavioral differences between them eggs, a...: as the Botia Loach, this fish comes in various colors like,. Prefer swimming in open spaces as they match the cichlids for size and water conditions after spending the day prepare... Is crucial for monitoring the conditions in your aquarium lots of room to swim in open spaces as are. At fish you can keep with cichlids that comprises that population eating,... Might be mainly insectivores, herbivores, and will help keep it free from algae living with other. Unlike the other fish because of its aggressive nature when planning your aquarium that. Keep more fish to the aggressive nature of these pieces, can be extremely sensitive to aggressive... Learn about each variation three inches long to prepare separate meals for these fish, corydoras, glassfish, the... - Cichlid species and catfish love rocky places to create needed territories sure!

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