8/15/2023 0 Comments Red zebra cichlid tank size![]() However, they can live in tanks with gravel and other rocky substrate as well. Substrate – The best substrate for Mbuna cichlids is sand because it allows them to scavenge and burrow without injuring themselves on sharp edges.Alkaline water can be accomplished via the addition of crushed coral, baking soda, or commercial products. These fish prefer slightly alkaline water with a pH of 7.5-8.5. Water Temperature & pH – The ideal temperature range for Mbuna cichlids is 77-84˚F, but they can comfortably live in water as cool as 73˚F.For larger Mbuna, like the Blue Dolphin Moorii, a much larger tank upwards of 55 gallons may be necessary. Tank/Aquarium Size – For smaller Mbuna, like the Electric Yellow cichlid, a 30-gallon tank can suffice but a 40-gallon or larger is ideal.Females and juveniles are yellow with some black striping, while males are usually the opposite, with dark purplish-black and yellow striping. These fish are not recommended for beginner fish keepers. If you choose to attempt to keep a tank with multiple males, you will still end up with a harem because the males will fight to the death until there is only one left alive. They prefer to be kept in harems and are often too aggressive for community tanks. Golden Cichlid: These cichlids are beautiful, but highly aggressive.Like many other Mbuna cichlids, these fish do best when kept in harems. The males can reach up to 5 inches in length, while females stay smaller at around 4 inches. Wild-type Red Zebra Cichlids are often seen in blue coloration as well, but this is more common in males than females. Their stripes consist of darker orange coloration. Red Zebra Cichlid: These cichlids are actually more orange than red.As they age, they begin to take on some black stripes and bars, but they retain more yellow coloration throughout their life than the Bumblebee Cichlid. They are bright, electric yellow in coloration. They will, however, show aggression toward other fish of similar shape and color as themselves, even if they aren’t Electric Yellow Cichlids. Electric Yellow Cichlid: Known for their agreeable personalities, these fish are also sometimes called Yellow Labs.They do retain the yellow coloration throughout their life, though. When they are young, they are brightly colored, but as they age, they begin to darken. These fish naturally feed on parasites that infect other fish. Their bodies are elongated, and they can reach almost 4 inches in length. Bumblebee Cichlid: These cichlids are also sometimes called Hornet Cichlids and are named for their distinct black and yellow stripes.Sometimes, overstocking Mbuna will decrease territorial behavior by limiting the space each fish has to “claim”. Choosing tankmates that won’t cross paths with the cichlids very often usually works out best, but another option is keeping a harem with one male and multiple females. Mbuna are usually equally territorial against males or females, the exception to this being when a female is ready to breed. Most Mbuna cichlids are territorial, willing to defend what they perceive to be their territory against their tankmates, while others are downright aggressive. For Mbuna that do best in groups, some shops will provide a discount on purchasing a group of fish, helping keep the price within your budget. ![]() There are exceptions to this and some rare varieties of Mbuna may sell for more than this range. However, most Mbuna will fall in the range of $5 up to $30 per fish. Since Mbuna cichlids are so varied, their costs vary as well. Others do best when they are introduced to the tank one at a time, and some Mbuna cichlids are best kept alone or with compatible, non-cichlid tankmates. Some Mbuna become more aggressive and territorial when brought home in pairs or when introduced to the tank in a group. Image Credit: Arunee Rodloy, ShutterstockĬichlids in general are known for their aggressive, territorial nature, so tankmates should be chosen carefully and it’s imperative to know the typical behavior of the species of Mbuna you are bringing home. They tend to be active fish, though, so it’s not uncommon for them to spend the whole day swimming around the tank. Mbuna cichlids spend much of their time hiding in rock caves, and they can often be seen congregating under the rocks, peering out at you. ![]() ![]() These fish may be hard on plants, uprooting them while scavenging or eating plant matter, so many plants are not a good match for them. This means that a rock-filled tank is necessary for their health and happiness. These cichlids are variable in behavior, diet, compatibility, and color, but they are all rock-dwelling fish. Mbuna cichlids are a large group of cichlids that all come from Lake Malawi.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |