Assorted African Cichlids - Live Fish

DESCRIPTION OF ITEM:

Assorted African Cichlids refers to a group of various cichlid species from African lakes, such as Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria. These cichlids are popular in the aquarium trade due to their vibrant colors, unique personalities, and fascinating behaviors. When you see "assorted African cichlids" being sold, it generally means a mix of different species, often from multiple African lakes. These mixes can include various Mbuna, Peacock, Haplochromis, and Tanganyika cichlids.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common types you might find in an assorted African cichlid grouping:

1. Lake Malawi Cichlids

Lake Malawi is home to a large number of cichlid species, many of which are brightly colored and diverse in behavior. These species are often mixed together in the aquarium trade.

Mbuna Cichlids:

• Characteristics: Typically smaller, colorful, and very territorial.
• Popular species:
  • Electric Yellow Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus): A bright yellow fish with a peaceful temperament, popular in aquariums.
  • Demasoni Cichlid (Pseudotropheus demasoni): A striking blue and black striped species.
  • Acei Cichlid (Pseudotropheus acei): Known for their beautiful blue coloration with black markings.

Peacock Cichlids:

• Characteristics: These cichlids are known for their vibrant colors and peaceful nature compared to other African cichlids.
• Popular species:
  • Sunshine Peacock (Aulonocara sp.): Bright yellow with a hint of blue, popular for their coloration.
  • Orange Blotch Peacock (Aulonocara sp. “Orange Blotch”): Known for their orange bodies with blotchy patterns.

Haplochromis Cichlids:

• Characteristics: These are larger cichlids that are more peaceful and can tolerate a slightly more relaxed tank environment.
• Popular species:
  • Haplochromis sp. "Red": Vibrant red coloration, often seen in the aquarium hobby.

2. Lake Tanganyika Cichlids

Lake Tanganyika cichlids are known for their diverse range of species with fascinating behaviors and unique colors. They often require slightly different care than those from Lake Malawi.

Popular species:

• Brichardi Cichlid (Neolamprologus brichardi): Known for its peaceful nature and silver-blue coloration, this cichlid is often seen in community tanks.
• Cichlid “Blue Dolphin” (Cyrtocara moorii): Recognized by its elongated body and “dolphin-like” head shape.
• Livingstoni Cichlid (Haplochromis livingstoni): A larger, more aggressive species with a deep blue to black body.

3. Lake Victoria Cichlids

Cichlids from Lake Victoria are less common in the aquarium trade but are still occasionally available. They are often colorful and show distinct behaviors.

Popular species:

• Victoria Haplochromis (Haplochromis sp.): These species are known for their vibrant colors and territorial behavior.

Care Requirements for Assorted African Cichlids:

While the specific care for each species may vary slightly, assorted African cichlids generally have similar care needs:

Water Parameters:

• pH: Slightly alkaline, typically between 7.5 and 8.5.
• Temperature: 76°F to 82°F (24°C to 28°C).
• Hardness: Prefer hard water with a moderate to high mineral content.

Tank Setup:

• Tank Size: A 55-gallon tank or larger is recommended for keeping multiple species. African cichlids, especially territorial types like Mbuna, require plenty of space to establish territories.
• Substrate: A sand or gravel substrate is ideal for most African cichlids, as they like to dig and root around in the substrate.
• Aquascaping: Provide rock formations and caves to mimic their natural habitat and offer hiding spots. This is especially important for species like Mbuna cichlids, which are territorial.

Diet:

• Most African cichlids are omnivores and will benefit from a varied diet.
• Offer high-quality cichlid pellets, spirulina, and vegetable-based foods.
• Supplement their diet with frozen or live foods, such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms to encourage good health and coloration.

Tankmates:

• It is crucial to choose compatible species for an African cichlid community tank. Many cichlids can be territorial, especially during breeding, so it’s important to include species that are either peaceful or similarly aggressive.
• Mbunas and Peacock cichlids can often be mixed, as long as there is enough space. It's best to avoid mixing Mbunas with very peaceful species like Cichlid “Blue Dolphin” or other less aggressive types.

Breeding:

• Many African cichlids are mouthbrooders, meaning that the female carries fertilized eggs in her mouth (buccal cavity) until the fry are ready to swim independently.
• If breeding, be prepared for territorial behavior and ensure that there are adequate hiding spots for the female during the breeding cycle.

Assorted African Cichlids typically offer a diverse and colorful aquarium experience, combining species from Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria. They thrive in well-maintained aquariums with specific water parameters and lots of hiding spots. These cichlids are ideal for aquarists who appreciate the beauty, behavior, and personalities of African species. Proper care, appropriate tankmates, and a well-planned aquarium setup can help ensure that these cichlids thrive and add vibrancy to your tank.