Aquarium fish cichlids: content, photos

Among the variety of inhabitants of domestic water bodies, aquarium fish of cichlids (the photos of which are presented in the article) are almost the most vivid and interesting for observation. Immediately warn: they are not so easy to care and in the content, so a beginner fish farmer, who has no experience and relevant skills, will be difficult. Failure to comply with certain rules causes illness, and often the death of pets - and they are not cheap at all.

The nature of your pets

Among all aquatic pets, aquarium fish cichlids are considered the most intelligent. It has long been noted that they are able to remember and recognize the owner. If he managed to gain confidence, the fish swim to the glass "say hello", and in general their behavior becomes more animated. Between themselves, cichlids communicate using some sounds and a variety of body movements. That is why they get along badly not only with other species, but also with the relatives of other subspecies - the signs that are given by one fish can be misunderstood by another: in its "language" they carry a different semantic load.

Aquarium fish cichlids belong to schooling, so without a large "home" can not do. In this case, for family life, they form stable pairs that remain together for life.

When the offspring appear, cichlids show themselves to be extremely caring parents, and many species are protected by the offspring of both the father and mother. There are species that use their own mouth as an incubator. Even already hatched fry often hide in it in danger. Certain varieties of cichlids take care of the offspring of the whole flock, and very severely. Some young fish, who have eaten their eggs inexperienced, are expelled by the rest of the individuals for this misconduct. There are cases when the offending mum was planted for several months, but even after that the flock did not accept it back.

Behavioral features

It is widely believed that predatory aquarium fish cichlids are not able to get along in the same space with other species, and even fight each other almost to death. In some ways this is true, in some ways it is a delusion. Aquarium fish cichlids are clearly defined territoriality and schooling. While they are young, they are indifferent to those who surround them. But, having matured, they form their narrow circle of communication, fix the territory behind it and no one else is allowed to enter it - not even their kindred. That is, cichlids, growing from eggs in one aquarium with other, even small, fish, will ignore them. But if an adult, formed a flock to plant an outsider - it will be pursued, until the alien does not otsadit owner - or they will kill him. Even herbivorous cichlids (and there are such) with respect to their territory are characterized by increased aggression, often even greater than predators. Therefore, very often, when the fry grows, they are moved to another aquarium before the onset of sexual maturity in order to avoid tragedies and dramas.

General rules for glass house equipment

Since some of the largest gregarious inhabitants of your water body are aquarium fish of cichlids, their content implies the presence of a large "pool". It should be not less than 100 liters, and not at the expense of height - these fish keep at the bottom or in the middle layer. The main thing in an aquarium is its length and width. The second necessary condition is constant aeration and filtration; In a little saturated with oxygen and not too pure water cichlids first lose the brightness of the color, and then begin to ache. As a primer, it is better to choose sand. Thanks to it, the turbidity of the water decreases again. The soil layer should not be thicker than a half centimeter. All aquarium fish cichlids need shelter, and some species with spawning - especially. Clay crocks from pots with drained edges, driftwood and decorative stones with caves are quite suitable. The latter should be chosen so that they almost reach the edge of the water - then the cichlids will master the upper layers of their reservoir. If you live aquarium fish Malachian cichlids, the vegetation should be almost completely absent, as in the natural habitat. Let the bottom be more planted with stones. For those species of cichlids that dig the soil, the algae should be chosen with powerful roots, and even plant them in low pots, so that the fish do not tear them from the soil.

The meaning of origin with cichlid content

The motherland of these fish is Africa and America. But even within one country, habitats can be very different in terms of conditions. Therefore, to determine the parameters of water, it is necessary to know where the aquarium fishes of cichlids you bought come from. And first of all we must take into account the rigidity of water. Most domestic water reservoirs are suitable tap water, but for this species it is too soft. And aquarium fish Malahi cichlids generally prefer a rate of 12 units. So on the bottom it is necessary to put marble - in a crumb or pebbles.

The next problem is the acidity of the water. Aquarium fish cichlids need a neutral environment. It will be necessary to buy tests at the pet shop and monitor it regularly.

The temperature is maintained in the range of 23-28 degrees. A short depression is experienced, but not when the fry is kept in the aquarium - even 23 degrees can kill them.

And, finally, the purity of the water. One filter can not do - at least once a week a quarter of the aquarium must be changed.

Details of breeding

As already mentioned, aquarium fish cichlids form stable pairs. For the possibility of choosing from the very beginning, five individuals of each sex settle in the pond - eventually they will figure out who to "voditsya" with whom. This can be accompanied by fierce battles between males, but this moment will have to endure - without mutual sympathy, the fishes will not multiply. Those who did not find a pair and did not get along in the pack are being resettled. For the remaining pairs, the aquarium is zoned - it is divided into separate areas at least by snags, and in some cases - dropped between the possessions glass. A sign that the two have found each other will be the joint excavation of the pit or the purification of stones.

What to feed?

In the bulk of aquarium fish cichlids willingly eat almost any live food. Not bad is the sea fish (take fillets), beef, squid. Even clear predators are sometimes worthy to give fresh greens - dandelion and salad leaves. The basis of the diet, which feeds aquarium fish Malchian cichlids, is frozen cyclops and feed in the form of flakes.

When compiling the "menu" it is still necessary to remember how diverse the cichlids are, and to select its components in accordance with their preferences. Otherwise, there is a risk of poisoning your pets.