ALTUM ANGELFISH - The Rarest of All

Pterophyllum altum - Photo by Joel Carnat

Altum angelfish originally came from Brazil, Venezuela, and Colombia. The word Altum is a Latin word that means tall and this fits the fish well because it can grow as 30cm/12” in height and they can get long as 15 cm/6”. These angelfish are the sensitive version of angels. They are not that suitable for keeping as pets because of their timid and sensitive traits plus they could cost a lot ranging from $20-$50. But if you really into this angel, then you must prepare to pay for this amount to acquire this sensitive angel. The suitable and normal range of ph for its water is 4.5-6.5 plus they prefer warmer water with the temperature of 28-30C/82-86F.

Altum Angelfish is one of the largest and colorful cichlids.  They are known for its timid traits that even a small shadow could frighten them. Though they are timid and a bit frightened, when they start to get accustomed to its surroundings, they can be good pet fish. But this fish is not that friendly to smaller fishes in the reefs though they may join the school of other fishes, they still get aggressive and very territorial as they grow older and when they in the breeding stage. It was in the early 1900s when the first altum angelfish was introduced and established in America. There have been numerous colors and patterns available in every pet shop, retailer and wholesalers since then.

Altum Angelfish has a habit of always yawning. Their mouths are larger than any angels. These fishes are very rare and most of the time, you will notice some defects on their skin in a pet shop because of the shipping and sometimes because of the fighting scene from other predators. You will also notice some black pepper-like sprinkles on their skin. This is an infection called black spot disease. Adult altum can grow up to 13 to 15 inches or more. You must provide a large and spacious tank or aquarium for them.

When it comes to the altum angelfish diet, this species is not a picky eater. They most especially like to feed on mosquito larvae, blood worms, Daphnia and some live brine shrimp. They prefer these foods to be frozen first. Make sure to feed them once a day then leave one day out before you feed them again to make sure that they really digested it all. Brine shrimp can also help their digestion and can even prevent constipation. Altums also like to eat the substrate on their tanks which can injure their delicate mouths Though most cichlids are peaceful, altum can be quite aggressive and territorial when it comes to space on their tanks. Make sure to use coarse gravel with more rounded edges to prevent this harm to happen to your altums.

By William Ousley  is a angelfish expert. - Article Source: EzineArticles

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JAGUAR CICHLID - Parachromis managuensis

JAGUAR CICHLID - Parachromis managuensis

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Parachromis Managuense - JAGUAR CICHLID

Parachromis managuensis (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Parachromis managuense has a bad reputation, just like many of the other large predatory cichlids. This reputation is largely undeserved, and besides, the positive sides of these fishes more than makeup for any negative ones. Not to mention that an adult P. managuense is incredibly beautiful.

I've kept these cichlids and have nothing but good to say about them as long as you have an aquarium large enough to handle this species that grows to 55 cm/22 inches. I would say that the absolute minimum to keep these cichlids together with other cichlids is a tank of 540 litres/120 gallons. And that's a minimum; a larger aquarium is preferable. Large specimens require even larger aquariums. They can be bred in aquariums that are at least 250 litres/55 gallons.

The aquarium should be decorated so that natural territory boundaries are created and so that there are a lot of hiding places for the female, as the male can be quite mean to her if she isn't ready to breed when he is. Larger rocks should be placed directly on the bottom of the aquarium since this species digs a lot and can move large stones. Use silica to glue caves and stone formations together so that they don't fall down.

This species hasn't got any bigger demands and thrives in most water conditions as long as pH and DH levels aren't too extreme in either direction.

P. managuense can be kept with other cichlids from the region as long as they aren't too small and can stand up for themselves. This is true for most cichlids species from Central America. P. managuense can be aggressive, but in my experience, their aggressiveness is greatly exaggerated and P. managuense leaves most fishes alone. However, during breeding, they will protect their young and their territory furiously, and since they are quite large they can claim large territories especially if normal boundaries aren't created in the aquarium. But I wish to stress that P. managuense normally isn't that aggressive and doesn't beat other fish to death. Just don't keep them with fish small enough to eat (except for Ancistrus which usually survive despite their small size).

Feeding P. managuense is easy and they accept just about any food. I recommend feeding them a diet of pellets, shrimps and fish bits. To vary the diet I sometimes feed them live feeders, usually convicts since it seems that one always has spare convicts one can't get rid of by selling or giving away. I usually feed my P. managuense twice a day with the occasional week without food.

Sexing P. managuense is usually easy and follows the line of most other cichlids. Females are smaller and rounder. Breeding P. managuense is according to my experience also easy as long as you give them their own aquarium. Breeding them in aquariums with other cichlids is harder, but not too hard. The biggest problem is deciding what to do with and how to raise the very large number of fry. Each spawning can generate up to 2000-3000 fry.

They are usually very good parents and the fry grow very fast. They guard their young for up to 6 weeks during which time the fry reaches a size of 1.5 - 2 cm, or approximately ¾ inch. After that, the parents spawn again and the fry has to be removed or the parents will kill them while protecting the new batch. However, on rare occasions, the parents can protect two batches simultaneously. This usually ends in the second batch being eaten by their older sisters and brothers, which will grow very fast on this diet. :-)

Spawnings are usually 4-7 weeks apart. They usually lay their eggs on a rock or root that has been carefully cleaned, and then dig very big craters right down to the glass bottom in which to keep their young. The fry is small but accepts most kinds of food. The parents will spit out pellets that they've chewed into tiny pieces for the fry to eat. The growth rate I mentioned above is based on my own experiences when I feed only pellets. However, I don't recommend you rely too heavily on the parents chewing food for their young. You might observe whether the fry gets the food they need this way, but if they don't I recommend you feed the fry if you want them to survive.

Raising the fry without their parents is much harder and I wouldn't recommend separating fry unless it's absolutely necessary. If possible, it's better to wait a few weeks until the fry has grown a little.

If you like predatory fish and are willing to take my word that most of its reputation is undeserved, then I recommend you to try this very beautiful fish.

Article by William Berg - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Caring For OSCAR Fish

This is a picture of two Oscar Fish in a Fish Tank (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Oscar fish are some of the most beautiful and hardy fish you can keep in an aquarium, but require special care and aquarium conditions to flourish. These fish can grow up to fourteen inches long, which makes them a handful for novice aquarium keepers -- they're definitely not starter fish. If you'd like to experience the special challenge of raising Oscar fish, then keep these tips in mind.

#1 - Oscar fish only like other Oscars.

Oscars are schooling fish, and they only like being with their own kind. They won't appreciate it when mixed in with different species and are known to attack other fish.

Oscars would love it if they schooled with a few other of their own kind in the fish tank. Remember that these fish can grow to be pretty big, so make sure to give at least 30 gallons of swimming space for them. If you take care of your Oscars well, they can live up to fifteen years.

#2 - Oscar can spawn with the best of them.

There are many Oscar species out there, and some of them change colours when they're ready to mate. If you have a male and a female Oscar in the same tank, they might spawn thousands of eggs at once. If you don't want to deal with a fish tank full of Oscars, then it might be a good idea to put one Oscar in a different location until its color changes back to its original color.

#3 - Oscars need specific conditions to survive.

Aside from a big enough tank, the usual filters, aerators, and lighting, Oscars thrive in clean, clear water with temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius. For some reason, they also prefer sandy bottoms to gravel. They feed on carnivorous fish food -- you can check with your local pet store if they have any fish food that's specifically for Oscars.

Surprisingly, Oscars can also eat food scraps such as shrimp, worms, and vegetables. Oscars only need to be fed once a day, and make sure you only give so much food that they can consume everything in three minutes.

Oscars are great pets to have, and it's always a temptation to add another one to the fish tank. Remember, though, that it's best to add an Oscar that's around the same size as the Oscars already in the tank. This will make sure that they'll get along swimmingly.

By David Yearwood - Article Source: EzineArticles

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3 Types Of AQUARIUM FISH - Nature And Habitat Explained

1. Angel Fish

This is a fish bigger than most aquarium varieties. The black Angel which comes from the Amazon basin area belongs to this category. Angelfish are also found in areas such as the Rio Tapajos and Orinoco. These fish feed on smaller live bait in the aquarium. They have a deep well-defined body structure. Their fins differ in color. 

They have small, pouted lips and curved eyes. Some of them have black spots which are quite desirable with collectors of ornamental fish. Angelfish normally live in water temperatures of around 72 Fahrenheit, but the water needs to be warmer at 77 to 86 degrees, for them to start breeding. Keep them in subdued lighting conditions. These fish love the natural wild surroundings, so provide lots of plants in the aquarium to keep them satisfied. You need to keep them away from bright lights, which tend to make them a bit nervous. Angelfish have certain bones in the throat region, so do not get alarmed if you hear a noise when they breed.

2. Harlequin Fish

The Rasbora Heteromorpha is a fish from this category. It is similar to the Cyprinidae family, and it is seen in the eastern Sumatra region, Thailand and Malaysia. It is a very attractive species with a thick body shape. It is colored a silver grey which shimmers when it moves. They normally have a patch of blue or black on the body as well. These fish grow up o about an inch and a half in length and they prefer to live in warm waters since they are from the tropical region. Keep the tank around 75-77 degrees if you house these fish. However, when they are breeding the water should be at a warmer level of say 82 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the lighting subdued and provide ample room for them to swim around, they are quite active.

All Photos Wikipedia (CC)

3. Scat

These fish belong to the Scatophagus Argus category and is closely related to the Scatophagidae. They are found in the eastern region of India. It is colored a brownish gold tone, with a sprinkle of brown spots all over the body. They are larger than other varieties discussed in this article and can grow to over eleven inches in length. Scats are hexagonal in shape. This fish prefers a well-lit area to live in, and you need to add salt to their water to keep them healthy. 3 or 4 teaspoons of salt in 2 to 3 gallons of water should do just fine. You could add sand into their tank rather than gravel, as well as some good hardy plants to make them feel at home. They enjoy eating the live bait, as well as a little from the plants. Use a good filter in their tank and you need to get ready to often change their water.

By Abhishek Agarwal Abhishek is an avid Fish Lover and he has got some great Aquarium Care Secrets up his sleeves! Article Source: EzineArticles

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GREEN TERROR CICHLID - Aequidens rivulatus

Green Terror Cichlid - Aequidens rivulatus

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GREEN TERROR CICHLID - An Intro To This Amazing Cichlid Fish!

Photo  by veress_szilard 

The Green terror cichlid (Andinoacara (Aequidens) rivulatus) is frequently confused with Blue Acara, somehow there is a slight difference in their features which is, green terror has a more pronounced bump on its forehead when they mature. They are also more aggressive than the other fish that is why it is important to keep them with varieties that can fend themselves.

They are widely spread in South America, Ecuador, and Peru. They are commonly found in still and sluggish waters of the local river basins. Generally speaking, when looking at the side angle of a terror the shape is obviously oval, in the front angle, it is evident that this variety has a very broad forehead area and gradually decreases down to its rear. The mature male, however, tends to develop a noticeable hump and may also reach a length of about 8 inches in its regular size.

It is the male in this variety that is catchy to the eye of the hobbyist possessing a body color of a brilliant and bright greenish white. The tails especially are very attractive that is demonstrated with reticulation and fringed in bright red color... Really magnificent! The female is rather not much of a head turner with drab olive green color and does not have the favorable metallic feature of the male. Somehow some females may possess a blue-green color of its chin.

Green terror cichlid is somehow a hardy fish and may be quite easy to care for especially when needs are met. They are basically omnivorous and will always eat on anything and may relish any live foods. They thrive well on large tanks with copious caves and rocks to hide in such as driftwood, rockwood, and live plants as well. Live plants though may be uprooted because of their agility and aggressiveness. When young they may be placed together with other community cichlids nevertheless as they mature they tend to live up to its name the "green terror" and will seemingly terrorize all except for the largest fish in the tank. Needless to say, they are best kept in a species tank.

The adequate tank size of this variety should be approximately 48 inches with water that is soft to hardy and a pH level of 6.5 to 7.5 and kept in a constant temperature of 72 - 82 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 - 24 degrees Celsius. Like any other cichlids, by providing them with the proper filtration, temperature, and frequent water change will live healthily and vigorously.

Breeding a green terror cichlid, always choose the most robust fishes and paired with an unrelated juvenile and raise to sexual maturity about three inches. They breed in a typical Aequidens way, meaning they will find an open water location and spawns in a flat stone. Unlike other cichlids that hide their nest, the green terror does not. Check more on the breeding methods of green terror cichlid in order to spawn one of your own.

By Lacey Bryant Lacey Bryant is a cichlid enthusiast and author, who has been caring for cichlids for over 15 years. She has been breeding Cichlids for years and it has become her passion to share her knowledge about their proper care. Article Source: EzineArticles

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New World CICHLIDS

Herichthys cyanoguttatum (Rio Grande cichlid, Texas cichlid). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

New World Cichlids can be found in the continents of North America, South America, and Central America. These fish make wonderful pets due to their unique colors, their interesting personalities, and the ease with which they may be maintained.

The angelfish is one of the most common New World cichlids. A South American cichlid, the angelfish is beautiful and queenly but needs very specific water conditions. Angelfish are generally triangular-shaped with long, string-like fins trailing behind them and sometimes a stripe or two across their backs.

Another common New World cichlid is the convict, so named because of its feisty temperament. Convict cichlids may be bullies but they can live in a wide variety of aquarium conditions and are easy to keep and breed. Convicts can be identified by their light blue bodies and the dark black, zebra stripes across their backs.

The Jack Dempsey is also a favorite among cichlid lovers. Like the convict, the Jack Dempsey can be moody, and as an adult, he can grow up to nearly a foot in length. Jack Dempsey's are dark brown but males usually have splashes or dots of bright blue or green on their sides and humps on their foreheads. Jack Dempsey's are easy to keep and need large open spaces as well as caves to hide in.

In the wild, North and Central American cichlids are found in rivers and lakes. Some lay their eggs in the sand of the river bottoms while others lay them simply on top of rocks at the bottom of the lake in which they reside. Some even make their homes in tiny underwater caves and tunnels. South American cichlids are usually found in water conditions that are more acidic such as black water regions in the Amazonian basin.

The aquarium requirements for these types of fish vary according to their natural habit. North and Central American cichlids are more adept at adapting to vary aquarium conditions but need good hiding places or caves in their aquarium for refuge. These should not be kept in any tank with a length of fewer than 48 inches.

The South American cichlid usually needs much more specific water conditions in the aquarium in which it is kept. The pH balance of the water needs to be quite low - sometimes as low as six - and the water itself needs to be very soft. Plants are popular with the South American cichlid, although certain species may cause havoc to underwater plants.

One of the best things about New World cichlids is that there are so many from which to choose. The variety available among these species of fish is simply astounding and there is always something new to discover. New World cichlid fish can be a joy to take care of and a delight to own.

By Tim Jacob Carter - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Welcoming (Freshwater) ANGELFISH Into Aquarium

Freshwater angelfish (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you are fond of aquarium fish then Angelfish can be a priceless addition to your aquarium. They are beautiful and graceful and can give immense pleasure to the beholder of their beauty. However, before adding angelfish into your freshwater fish tank you must ensure that you are not putting these fish with other fish species which do not get along well with angelfish.

Although apparently, angelfish may appear to be very peaceful and gentle, it is a fact that they can sometimes be quite aggressive as well. Moreover, they also have this tendency to eat smaller fish species present in the tank!

Angelfish are a part of the Cichlid family. They are available in a number of varieties and colors. But being an owner of angelfish you should keep this in mind that they can be a little fragile as well when they are young. But once grown up they are generally hardy. Moreover, it is always good to keep them in groups of six or eight. If you keep two or three only there is a possibility that the bigger ones will bully the little ones. But if they are in a bigger group they tend to behave well.

If you wish to add angelfish to your aquarium fish collection, you will require a big fish tank for it. The best option is 29 gallons or a larger one and if you have a great number of these fish then a much bigger fish tank is advisable. Moreover, ensure that your gravel is at least 1/4" thick. Apart from that you also need to maintain your tank temperature between 70 and 82°F. Another thing that you need to ensure is that your fish tanks are around 24 inches deep. It is essential for the health of your angelfish. They will grow large in deep water and can even grow up to 12 inches.

It is relatively easy to feed angelfish. There is no need to arrange any special food for them. If you give them flakes, it will be enough. The flakes are easily available in any pet store. However, for adding some variety you can also provide some blood worms. It is true that the angelfish are a little aggressive but there are a lot of fish species available who can comfortably live with your angelfish. For example, big Tetras and Silver Dollar live very well with angelfish. Apart from that, you can also select Swordtails Mollies and Platies as well. But do not put Guppies in the same tank as your Angelfish because sometimes the angelfish can eat them. Some other fish that can be kept with angelfish in the aquarium are Gouramis and Clown Loaches and even Bala Sharks.

Angelfish are not very difficult to take care of and they are generally hardy. But sometimes they can fall victim to some other aggressive fish that attack them and injure at their fins. Moreover, your angelfish can also become affected by a common aquarium disease named hole in the head disease. This disease comes in the form of a wound on the head of the fish and this can lead to the death of the fish.

So, if you take proper care of your beautiful angelfish and are careful enough not to put too many fish in your aquarium, you will see that your angelfish live healthy for a long time. But ensure that you regularly care for them and maintain proper fish tank environment. If you do so your angelfish will then definitely live for 10 years!

By Chintamani Abhyankar Chintamani Abhyankar is an angelfish enthusiast and has been raising and breeding angelfish for many years. He is an expert on their care and an advocate for raising healthy angelfish the natural way. Article Source: EzineArticles

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JAGUAR CICHLIDS - An Overview

"Parachromis managuensis"  

Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

Native to South American freshwaters, the Jaguar Cichlid (Parachromis managuensis) is as aggressive as its name suggests. For this reason, one must be careful not to put them into a tank with smaller species; it will attack them. During the breeding period, their aggression is heightened and they may even attack larger species. Providing a separate tank during breeding, or at the very least a tank partition will be beneficial to your entire fish population.

The Jaguar Cichlid can live for 15 years and males can reach sizes over 12 inches. Females will rarely exceed 12 inches in size, but these fish will need a relatively large aquarium, not less than 180 gallons if breeding or kept with other fish. Water temperatures should be kept between 77F and 97F with a pH level between 7.0 and 8.7.

If you want a Jaguar cichlid and you want to reduce it's aggressive behavior (which you can only do to a certain extent) then replicating their natural environment and water chemistry is a must. When I say natural environment, I mean the substrate of their habitat, the plants that are found in their favorite swimming areas, the types of rocks or driftwood and even the pace of the current. You can add a current to your aquarium by installing special jets with an adjustable flow-rate. Water chemistry includes pH, water temperature, water hardness and water clarity.

As a predatory fish, the Jaguar Cichlid prefers live food but may be trained to consume pellets as well. These fish reach maturity when they are about 4 inches in size and at this point are ready to breed. Males will lose the stripes on their body when mature. In keeping with their aggressive nature, males may become violent even with the females when breeding so it may be necessary to divide the tank in a way that the female may reach the male, but not vice versa. You can do this by installing a plastic divider in the aquarium. The divider needs to have one or two holes that are big enough for the female to swim through, but too small for the male to fit. This will allow the female to interact with the male when she wants to and swim away to protect herself when she needs to.

Jaguar Cichlids double in population every 1 to 4 years and are sought after for food and trade alike. Be sure you can accommodate the special needs of a Jaguar Cichlid before you make the decision to add them to your aquarium.

By Preston Mane - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Keeping a FLOWERHORN CICHLID

Photo:  Wikimedia Commons.

Have you ever walked in a shop and wondered why an awkwardly looking fish is staring at you? You might question the aesthetic appreciation of the owner for keeping what seems to be an ugly fish. If you would ask the owner or the keeper of the store, they would tell you that the fish is the bearer of good luck. The strange looking fish is the flowerhorn cichlid. The FLOWERHORN CICHLID has been famous among business owners. Due to their association with bringing great fortune, the Flowerhorn sale has been proliferating mostly in the Asian countries.

The rampant crossbreeding of South American cichlids resulted to the flowerhorn cichlid. The new species of cichlid was developed in the mid 90's in Malaysia. The combination of the species used is still unknown except for those who made them. Both the male and female flowerhorn has the same appearance. One must be very keen to differentiate between the sexes. When the fish is approximately 10-12 centimeters, one can differentiate the male from the female flowerhorn by checking the anal pore. A U shaped anal pore signifies a female flowerhorn, while a V-shaped anal pore is for the male flowerhorn.

The flowerhorn sale is not greatly affected by the sex of the fish. The markings and the huge hump on the head appear both in the male and female flowerhorn. The black markings resemble the Chines characters at times. A fish with a pronounced marking will be considered very special. The hump on the head of the fish is believed to resemble the high- forehead of SHou Xing the Chinese God of Longevity.

The flowerhorn fish is easy to maintain. One must have an aquarium that would have an ample space for the fish to swim in. One to three flowerhorn fish can be kept in a spacious aquarium. If more than one fish is to be kept, however, there should be enough accessories or items that would make the territories of the fish separate and distinct. Small variations in the condition of the water would not bother the resilient fish much. A neutral or alkaline water is best in keeping the fish. Water with a lower pH would fade the color of the fish.

The flowerhorn cichlid is kept because people believe it is lucky or just merely because of its interesting appearance. No matter what the reasons are, flowerhorn cichlids are one of the favorites of an aquarist.

Quintus Macon is a freelance writer and a budding aquarist who owns a female flowerhorn. Article Directory: EzineArticles

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JACK DEMPSEY Cichlid - Knowing How And What to Feed?

Jack Dempsey Cichlid - Photo  by Nikonian Novice 

The Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata) cichlid fry may be small but they will tend to sack up crushed flake food or even pulverized cichlid pellets. The first three days of their life they will only absorb the proteins from the food they sack. Even then these tiny creatures will nibble around at things possibly on some microorganisms.

I would prefer the use of an established tank since the good source of microorganisms and bacteria that are covering the gravel or even bare glass bottoms are found. Most beneficial bacteria found in an established aquarium are full of vitamins and minerals unlike in new set-up tanks they are barely present or none at all. Tiny white worms visible on tank glass are not likely to be found in new tanks.

However, even with established tanks, it is still essential to provide a bit of regular food after a few days but if ever the parents are still with the fry they will most likely take care of their young's for a few weeks. Parents will gladly take the food you give, chop it up and spill out tiny crumbs of it through their gills and mouth to their fry. How amazing it is to see both male and female cichlid participate in the feeding process.

But if keepers want to transfer the eggs without the parent's presence, then the aquarist job would be more difficult. When feeding, be certain to crush the food to a powdery form. Be wary that for the first ten days of their life is crucial and many will possibly die. After a week or so they would be large enough to be able to consume on newly hatched Artemia brine shrimp. Micro worms are also an excellent option but remember not to overfeed Jack Dempsey cichlid.

Feed the fry 5 times a day for the first 3 weeks, lesser than that will hinder growth or even weaken health and eventually perish. Remove any debris as soon as possible. Do not be weary to see a brood of 500 fries will end up to 200 in a matter of 4 weeks - this is the call of nature no matter how much care is bestowed on them.

The appropriate size for a nursery is 5 - 10-gallon aquarium for the first month in order to keep fry close to each other during feeding time. Water conditions are tolerable meaning not critical but the conditions of an established tank are important. It must have a temperature of 72 - 82 degrees Fahrenheit and a pH level of 6.5 - 7.2 is adequate for the fry. Maintain that consistency no matter what the parameter of an established tank is.

As they grow larger it is best to transfer them to a larger 20-gallon tank probably after 5 - 6 weeks. Imagine a 20-gallon tank with 150 to 200 Jack Dempsey cichlids, so I guess you have to figure out how to house the rest of them as they mature. It is also reasonable at this time to move back the parents to their original tank.

As the Jack Dempsey cichlid matures larger types of food may also be fed. Find out more about the proper feeding of the mature cichlids.

By Lacey Bryant Lacey Bryant is a cichlid enthusiast and author, who has been caring for cichlids for over 15 years. She has been breeding Cichlids for years and it has become her passion to share her knowledge about their proper care. Article Source: EzineArticles

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OSCAR CICHLID - Things To Know About Oscars!

Oscar Cichlids - Photo  by     Tomi Tapio

The Oscar Cichlid, or otherwise known as "Oscar fish", has been one of the most favorite species of cichlids considered for petting because they are fun to keep and are friendly to their owners. They could easily recognize their owners and be aware of what is happening around them.

They are natives to the different rivers of South America, specifically from the waterways of Peru, Brazil and French Guiana. But before going out to purchase one for a pet, there are important things to know about Oscar Cichlids that you need to consider.

Enthusiasts planning to raise Oscar Cichlids should prepare a large tank, spacious enough to accommodate the immediate growth of this kind of fish. Oscars tend to grow an inch after its eight to the tenth month. Expect them to reach about 10-12 inches in their first year. Gravel is the most recommended substrate for the tanks since they are abundant in Oscar's natural environment.

However, be sure to make use the rounded kind since these types of fish are inclined to dig, and sharp gravel might harm them. Furthermore, there are observations that these fish do not prefer bright lights. Thus, this should also be considered in preparing their tanks.

Hobbyists who are obsessed with decorated tanks should think twice to raise Oscars since they tend to be disastrous pets, often rearranging their aquarium, moving rocks and decors around. These are normal Oscar behaviors. Let them do this for it increases their comfort zone on their surroundings.

Feeding can be an exciting experience since Oscars interact whenever they are fed. They show excitement, swimming eagerly around the tank when they know they will be fed. They eat insects and small crustaceans such as crickets, earthworms, mealworms, and shrimps.

Owners should also understand that Oscars are temperamental. This is the reason why they are considered to have personalities. They show what they are feeling. At one point they can be happy and cheerful, like during feeding, but then they will be moody, retire in one corner or stop eating for a while. Don't be bothered if this happens. This is only a phase and the Oscars will eventually get back to its original jolly selves in time.

Enthusiasts need to be aware that in most cases, Oscars are the non-aggressive type of fish, as compared to another type of cichlids. They show uncommon behavior while inside the tanks but these are oftentimes ritualistic. They can be seen spreading their gills and opening their mouth wide while facing another fish, performing a tug of war. This is actually testing each other's strength or part of a mating ritual. Oscars may also be observed to charge the wall of their aquarium.

They might just think that their reflections are another fish trying to get in their territories. Oscars, like most cichlids, are territorial. They need to be accustomed to their tank mates for a while before they given in. That is the reason why in some cases, it is suggested that Oscars should be bred early with another type of fish for the former to be accustomed to it while growing.

Breeders should also take note that in most cases, it is hard to distinguish a male from a female Oscars. The only indication of a female Oscar is when it becomes pregnant and begins to be bulkier. They lay their eggs on a surface of a rock and will rearrange their space to provide a suitable spawning area in their tanks. The eggs hatch after three days.

Other fish in the tank should be taken out once spawning of the female is observed since they are considered threats by the Oscar mothers. It is advised that owners let their Oscars discover their roles as parents by not removing the eggs and allowing them to figure out what to do. They are generally nourishing and protective parents to their fry, eventually providing good nourishment for the infants.

Since Oscar Cichlids, or Oscar Fish, are expected to live up to 15 years, taking care of them is a commitment an owner should accept. These Oscars would require nourishment, attention, and care. Nevertheless, the Oscars are often times referred to as "river or water dogs" because they somehow behave like dogs, shaking their heads or tails whenever they see their owners.

By Lacey Bryant - Article Source: EzineArticles

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Fact Sheet: GREEN TERROR - Andinoacara rivulatus

Green Terror 

"Andinoacara rivulatus  Licensed under CC BY 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons.

Common Name: Green Terror

Binominal name: Andinoacara rivulatus (syn Aequidens rivulatus) 

Origin: South America

Family: Cichlidae

Care Level: Moderate

Tank Conditions: 72-80°F; pH 6.5-8.0; KH 9-20

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

Max. Size In Aquarium: Up to 8"

Color Form: Bright Blue, Green, White

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Diet:  Omnivore

The Green Terror is a beautifully marked cichlid. Its body is a greenish white with many electric blue spots on the chin area. The males of this species have a longer tail fin, which is outlined in red.

The Green Terror requires an aquarium of at least 50 gallons, with a sandy bottom, and rock work that will provide plenty of hiding spots. Live plants should be planted in pots to protect the roots from these fish. The Green Terror is generally peaceful with other fish of similar size, but can get more territorial as it matures.

The Green Terror is an open-breeder and will accept a range of water conditions. The Green Terror readily pairs and the female will take the bigger role in raising the fry. The female will lay the eggs on a cleaned, flat rock. They will spawn about every two weeks if the young are removed from the aquarium.

The Green Terror is omnivorous and will eat most prepared and frozen foods, including freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and ocean plankton, as well as flake food and Cichlid pellets.

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FLOWERHORN FISH: The Herald of Good Fortune

Flowerhorn Elvis (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

In the mid 90's, a new hybrid of the cichlid was created in Malaysia. Various species of South American cichlids were interbred which lead to a hybrid cichlid, the flowerhorn. The flowerhorn fish have a distinctive hump on their head and characteristic black markings on their sides. The black markings on the side of the flowerhorn fish sometimes resemble Chinese characters or numbers are thought to bring luck. 

The hump on the head of the flowerhorn fish is also thought to bring fortune since it somehow resembles the Chinese god of longevity These features appear on both male and female flowerhorns. Unlike other fish hybrids, the male and female flowerhorns are fertile and can be bred easily. This enabled breeders and enthusiasts alike to venture in the flowerhorn sale since there was a demand for it.

Flowerhorn fish is easily maintained. A 200-Liter capacity will be enough to house one flowerhorn fish. They are not sensitive to small degrees of variation in the water condition. However, it is best to have a neutral to an alkaline water so as not to mute the colors of the flowerhorns. When keeping multiple flowerhorn fish in a single aquarium, it is advised that it be limited to up to three only and that there are decorations in the aquarium that would segregate the territories of the different flowerhorns. Likewise, male and female flowerhorns may be kept in the same aquarium, especially when the intention is to breed. When trying to breed, a flat surface should be provided where the female flowerhorn will lay her eggs. Male flowerhorns tend to guard the territory, chasing other fish away, while the female flowerhorns guard the eggs.

Male and female flowerhorns tend to look almost the same when they are small.However, when they reach about 10-12 cm they can be distinguished when the anal pore is checked A female flowerhorn is characterized by a U-shaped anal pore while a V-shaped anal pore is distinctive of the male flowerhorn. Also, mature female flowerhorns have a smaller hump compared to their male counterpart. Despite the slight difference in appearance, the flowerhorn sale for both male and female flowerhorns are at par.

The price of flowerhorns nowadays is not as extravagant as it was in the start Only those flowerhorns with very distinct marks such as those that resemble the Chinese character for luck or those with a well-proportioned hump are valued at the highest price. However, this has not stopped breeders and enthusiasts to stop breeding the hybrid cichlid to enhance the features of the fish. Crossbreeding of flowerhorns are still done today to further enhance the markings and colors of the flowerhorn fish.

There are groups of people, however, who detest the flowerhorn fish. Being developed by man, many groups, religious and environmentalists alike, frown at the creation of the flowerhorn fish. It has been considered an abomination of nature since it would not exist without the tampering of man. There are groups as well that consider the flowerhorns a threat to the ecosystem.

The flowerhorn fish indeed captured the attention of many.With both the grandeur and criticism that it has attained, people will continue to appreciate the flowerhorn fish be it for its beauty or for the associated good fortune that awaits those who keep them.

By Quintos Macon - Article Source: EzineArticles

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A Comprehensive Listing of the Various CICHLID TYPES

A lot of people have been asking me lately about the different cichlid types so I thought I would compile a bit of a thorough list in regards to the various species.

Cichlid (sik-a-lid) fish stem from what's known as the Cichlidae (sik-li-day) family. The Cichlidae family is an extremely large & diverse family having nearly 2000 specimens described and it's believed the still much more to be described scientifically.

Different Mbuna from Lake Malawi (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

They would have to be the largest family of vertebrates.

Due to the fact that we are constantly finding new species types, estimating the exact number of cichlid types is very hard to do.

These fish come in some of the strangest looking shapes to the most breathtaking colors and throw in some peculiar mannerisms and it makes for quite the character.

Cichlids are found all across the globe ranging from Africa throughout Asia to North and South America.

Cichlid fish which tend to be kept in captivation can come from the African waters as well as the Amazon basin area and also from some the famous lakes like Lake Malawi, Great African Rift Lake and Lake Tanganyika.

Presently there is a massive diversity in the behavior and eating habits of these fish because of the greater number of types.

The majority of cichlid types are herbivorous fishes and feed on vegetation or even algae. The other cichlid varieties are generally omnivorous, will eat anything or they are carnivorous fishes that live on other fish & insects.

The broad range of eating habits has really allowed cichlid fish to occupy numerous habitats. Cichlid fish do not survive in salt water although funnily enough, their ancestors did.

Most cichlid kinds are fairly scaled down in size and many of them tend to be referred to as game types.

This has lead to several different cichlid species being farmed for human consumption. On the flip side, we can't deny a number of fish tank enthusiasts that enjoy cichlid species because of their eye-catching colorings and tendencies.

Angelfish, Oscar fish, Discus fish and Convict cichlid are among the most popular with aquarium enthusiasts.

African Cichlid Species

Most of the Cichlid types that we see in captivity today come from the African Amazonian regions. So on with the listings!

Lake Malawi

Lake Malawi is one of the largest lakes known to man and is home to over 300 varieties of cichlid fish. Some of the well-known African species are:

* Big-lipped

* Moori or Blue Dolphin

* Malawi Eye-biter

* Linni or Elephant-nose Cichlid

* Livingstoni

* Polystigma

* Venustus

* Deep-Water Haplo

* Electric Blue Haplo

Mbuna Cichlids

* Red-dorsal Afra, Dogtooth

* Fuelleborn's, Fuelleborni

* Trewavas, Red-finned

* Electric Yellow Mbuna, Lion's Cove Yellow

* Malawi Golden

* Johann's Mbuna

* Parallel-striped Mbuna

* Purple Mbuna

* Aurora

* Bumblebee Mbuna or Hornet

* Elongatus, Slender Mbuna

* Snail Shell Mbuna

* Kennyi

* Eduard's Mbuna

* Zebra Mbuna, Zebra Malawi, Cobalt Blue or Nyasa Blue

Peacock Group

* Baensch's Peacock, Yellow Peacock or Sunshine Peacock

* Red Shoulder Malawi Peacock

* Lake Malawi Butterfly

Lake Tanganyika

* Pearly Compressiceps

* Compressiceps

* Frontosa

* Black-finned Slender

* Striped Clown Goby, Striped Goby, Tanganyika Clown

* Dickfeld's Juli

* Checkerboard Julie

* Golden Julie or Ornate Julie

* Regan's Julie or Striped Julie

* Masked Julie or Black-and-White Julie

* Fairy

* Daffodil Brichardi

* Lemon

* Elongated Lemon

* Ocellated Shell-dweller

* Pearl-lined Lamprologus

* Five-bar

* Otostigma, Tripod

* Blue-eyed Tropheus

* Duboisi

* Blunt-headed

* Poll's Tropheus

* Aulonocara

* Lamprichthys

* Synodontis

* Afromastacembelus

Cavity Brooder s

* Altolamprologus

* Lamprologus

* Julidochromis

* Neolamprologus

Mouth Brooder Group of s

* Cyphotilapia

* Cyprichromis

* Eretmodus

* Tropheus

* Xenotilapia

Other African Species

* African Butterfly

* Zebra Haplochromis

* Two-spotted Jewel

* Blood-red Jewel

* Purple or the Common Krib

* African Blockhead or Lumphead

* Zebra Tilapia

* Clown Tilapia

North American Species

* Firemouth

* Convict

* Pearlscale

* Texas

* Midas

* Large Lipped

* Long Fin

* Friedrichsthali

* Jaguar

* Jack Dempsy

* Salvin's or Tricolor

* Red-spotted

* Black Belt

* Nicaragua

* Quetzal or Red-headed

South American Species

* Oscar fish or Velvet

* Peacock Bass

* Festa's

* Port Acara or Black Acara

* Pike

* Banded

* Festive

Acaras

* Blue Acara

* Green Terror or Rivulatus

* Saddle or Two-spot Acara

* Keyhole

* Flag Acara

* Golden Dwarf

New World Dwarfs

* Agassiz's Dwarf

* Yellow Dwarf

* Cockatoo Dwarf

* Three-Stripe Dwarf

* Ramirez' Dwarf

Angel Species

* Angelfish

* Altum Angelfish

Discus Species

* Brown Discus Fish

* Green Discus

* Royal Blue Discus

* Heckle Discus or Pompadour Fish

* Waroo or Triangle

Eartheater Cichlids Species

* Cupid

* Pearl or Mother-of-Pearl Eartheater

* Red hump Eartheater

* Paraguay Mouthbrooder

* Demon Fish.

By Simon G Edwards Article Source: EzineArticles

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