CICHLID CARE - Caring For African and American Cichlids

African Cichlid  Photo by Marcel Sigg 

One of the most important principles of cichlid care is water quality. Water chemistry, temperature and salinity are very important factors in keeping your cichlids thriving, healthy and happy. Different types of these unique aquarium fish have their own unique and strict water requirements.

Africans generally need their water a little saltier than American varieties, so do your cichlid care research wisely. For this reason alone American Cichlids and African Cichlids simply don't do well as tank mates. I have seen fellow aquarists get each species to survive while living in the same tank, but they simply cannot thrive with each other. For that matter, different varieties of African Cichlids have their own unique water chemistry requirements. Again, do your research wisely.

Another important principle in cichlid care is providing adequate tank decor, or lack thereof. Smaller varieties of cichlids, particularly the African varieties, need lots of nooks and shelters to hide in. Larger varieties such as Oscars simply will destroy almost anything you put in the tank with them. I have found, after years of keeping and caring for Oscars, they will do quite well with drift wood. It will give their tank mates like plecos and corys something to gather around.

American Cichlid - Severum Photo by Chun's Pictures 

Angel Fish and Discus love a heartily planted aquarium. In my opinion, they need a planted aquascape to thrive as they would in the wild. By the way, Discus are absolutely beautiful when they are happy and stress free.

Article Directory: EzineArticles

---

---

---