What are rift lake cichlids?
Rift Lake cichlids occupy virtually every niche known to freshwater fish. They can be found in open water, boulder fields, sand flats and weed beds. A number of species from Lake Tanganyika even occupy and breed in empty snail shells and are referred to as shell-dwellers.
Can you mix Malawi and Tanganyika cichlids?
I would not recommend mixing Malawi and Tanganyika cichlids, but I would not go as far as to condemn it, because if you have experienced African-cichlids before, you may have some success, albeit more with some species than others.
Why do cichlids rub against rocks?
Ich is a common fish disease that can infect cichlids. It is a protozoan parasite, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis. The cysts look like grains of salt on the fish. They may cause African cichlids to rub themselves on rocks to try and dislodge the parasites.
What cichlids can live with Oscars?
Given the requirements listed above, some of the best species for Oscar tank mates include catfish, Silver Dollar fish, Firemouth cichlids, Convict cichlids and blue acara. Avoid larger cichlids like Texas cichlid and terrors because these fish are likely to cause aggression problems in the tank.
What causes fish flashing?
The most common cause of flashing is a parasitic infestation. The most common parasites in freshwater tanks that cause flashing are Trichodina, monogenean trematodes, also known as flukes, Costia or Icthyobodo, and Chilodonella. Some fish are more sensitive to parasites than others.
What kind of aquarium do rift lake cichlids need?
Because of their size and territorial nature, most Rift Lake African Cichlids require medium to large aquariums. It is important to remember that Rift Lake African Cichlids are known diggers. They will dig up any plants and will excavate down to the undergravel filter in a short time (we are talking hours!!).
Where did the cichlids of East Africa come from?
The Cichlids of East Africa are renowned in science for their proliferation and diversity, and in the aquarium hobby for their beauty and behavior. These cichlids come from lakes that formed when two great valleys filled with water millions of years ago.
Which is the only rift lake in Africa?
Lake Tanganyika and Malawi are not the only Rift Lakes, they also include Lake Kivu, Edward, Albert, Rudolf and a number of other relatively small lakes and ponds. However, we will concentrate on Lakes Tanganyika and Malawi.
What are the pre spawning activities of cichlids?
The pre-spawning activities of the Rift Lake Cichlids involve elaborate rituals of courtship, including recognition signs such as color exhibition. The males establish a territory and often build nest areas. These fishes have been divided in two groups; substrate spawners and mouthbrooders.