African cichlids

Spectacularly coloured freshwater fish native to large African ponds. They require hard, alkaline water, the opposite of Amazonian fish.

Detailed explanation

The African cichlids of Ponds Malawi, Tanganyika and Victoria are among the most colourful freshwater fish of all. They rival marine fish for brilliance and chromatic variety.

Malawi cichlids are divided into two groups. The Mbuna ("rock fish" in the Tonga language) are territorial, herbivorous and live among rocks. Genera: Labidochromis, Pseudotropheus, Melanochromis. Non-Mbuna (Haps and Peacocks) are larger, predatory and swim in open water. Genera: Aulonocara, Protomelas, Copadichromis.

Tanganyika cichlids are more varied in behaviour. From the small conchigliophilous Neolamprologus (they live in snail shells) to the large Frontosa that live in depth. Tropheus are herd herbivores that require large groups.

The water in African ponds is hard and alkaline. pH 7.8-8.6, GH 10-20, KH 10-15. This is the opposite of what is required by Discus and Amazonian fish. Never mix African cichlids with softwater fish.

The typical setup includes many rocks stacked to create caves and territories. Fine sand on the bottom. Few or no plants (Mbuna eat almost everything). Controlled overpopulation is a technique used to distribute aggression: with many fish no single individual is targeted too much.

The diet of herbivores (Mbuna, Tropheus) must be based on spirulina and vegetables. Too much protein feed causes bloat, an often fatal intestinal disease.

Reproduction in the mouth (mouthbrooding) is characteristic of many African cichlids. The female holds the eggs and fry in her mouth for 2-3 weeks without eating. A natural spectacle.

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