Page 138 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

136 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

CICHLIDS

This large group of fish (the name of which is
pronounced “sick-lids”) originates mainly from
Central and South America and Africa, although three
species (including one recent rediscovery) are known
to come from Asia. The characteristics and
requirements of cichlids are as diverse as
their origins, and most make excellent
pets. Some individuals may learn to
recognize their owner and even become
tame enough to take food from the hand.
The breeding behavior of many cichlids
is fascinating, because these fish typically The Ram or Butterfly
display strong parental instincts. Their Cichlid (Mikrogeophagus
ramirezi) is one of the
care of the young can be observed closely smaller members of the
group, growing to less
in aquarium surroundings. than 3 in (7.5 cm) long.

Rocio octofasciata Amphilophus citrinellus Thorichthys meeki
Jack Dempsey Cichlid Midas Cichlid Firemouth Cichlid

ORIGINS Central America, occurring on Mexico’s Yucatán ORIGINS Central America, occurring in Costa Rica, ORIGINS Central America, occurring in Guatemala and
Peninsula and in Guatemala and Honduras. Nicaragua, and Honduras. on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula.
SIZE 8 in (20 cm). SIZE 12 in (30 cm). SIZE 6 in (15 cm).
DIET Prepared cichlid foods, algae, and live foods. DIET Prepared cichlid foods and live foods. DIET Prepared cichlid foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 72–77°F (22–25°C); hard WATER Temperature 70–77°F (21–25°C); hard WATER Temperature 70–75°F (21–24°C); hard
(100–150 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0). (100–150 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0). (150–200 mg/l) and neutral (pH 7.0).
TEMPERAMENT Intolerant and aggressive. TEMPERAMENT Aggressive, destructive, and territorial. TEMPERAMENT Territorial and aggressive.
The Midas gets its name from its gold coloration.
Males develop a pronounced swelling, known as a
nuchal hump, on the head. Pairs should be housed
on their own in a large, sparsely decorated tank.
Include rockwork, which will serve as a spawning
site. Partial water changes will mimic the rains
that trigger spawning activity in the wild. Females
will lay up to 1,000 eggs. The fry feed on mucus
on the flanks of the adults. Young are duller
Named after the late American boxer because of in color than
its pugnacious nature, the Jack Dempsey Cichlid adults
displays a series of variable turquoise and yellowish The fiery red on the throat and underside of the
markings over its body. Sexing can be done on the body distinguishes male Firemouths, pictured
basis of the fins: in males, the anal and dorsal fins above, from females. A pair becomes aggressive
have pointed tips, with the latter displaying red when spawning, and will dig more frequently in
edging, too. Pairs look after their young together, the substrate. Firemouths are dedicated parents,
corralling them at first in special spawning pits watching over the eggs and then shepherding the
excavated in the substrate. The eggs, numbering young into a spawning pit. Brine shrimp make a
as many as 800, are laid on cleaned rockwork. Juvenile valuable rearing food for the young at this stage.

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