Aquarium fishes: American cichlids

Step-by-Step Jaguar Cichlid Keeping for Beginners

September 30, 2024June 9, 2021 by Oleg

The jaguar cichlid (Parachromis managuensis) is a stunning and large raptorial fish that captivates cichlid enthusiasts. Known for its vibrant appearance, this species showcases remarkable coloration, particularly during the breeding season.

Juvenile jaguar cichlids exhibit distinct black bands across their bodies, which provide them with a striking look. As they mature, these fish develop a beautiful spotted pattern, reminiscent of a jaguar’s coat, hence their name. This transformation not only highlights their beauty but also signifies their readiness to breed.

Convict Cichlid: How to Create the Perfect Environment

September 30, 2024April 29, 2021 by Oleg

The convict cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata) is one of the smallest and hardiest Central American cichlids, making it a popular choice among aquarists. Despite its manageable size, this species is known for its aggressive and territorial behavior, especially during breeding. Choosing suitable tank mates for the convict cichlid can be a challenge due to its feisty nature, which makes it prone to picking fights even with larger fish.

In this guide, you’ll learn about the convict cichlid’s natural habitat, how large it can grow, and the best practices for keeping it in an aquarium. We’ll also cover essential care topics, including feeding and breeding, so you can successfully maintain these fascinating fish in your tank.

Green Terror Cichlid: Tank Size and Care Essentials

September 30, 2024April 22, 2021 by Oleg

The green terror cichlid is a strikingly colorful fish belonging to the cichlid family, known for its vivid blues and greens. Despite its intimidating name, this species has become a popular choice among aquarium enthusiasts for its vibrant appearance and engaging personality. In this article, we will delve into essential information about proper care, feeding strategies, and suitable tank mates for the green terror cichlid, ensuring that both beginners and experienced aquarists can provide an optimal environment for this fascinating fish.

Green terror cichlid (Andinoacara rivulatus)

Creating the Ideal Habitat: Aquarium Setup for Blood Parrot Cichlids

September 30, 2024April 16, 2021 by Oleg

The blood parrot cichlid is a distinctive and popular freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby, known for its bright colors and unusual body shape. This hybrid species, created from crossing various cichlids, doesn’t exist in the wild but has become a favorite among aquarists due to its vibrant appearance and relatively peaceful nature. Despite its small, oddly-shaped mouth, which can sometimes make feeding tricky, the blood parrot cichlid is not particularly demanding in terms of care.

In this guide, we’ll explore the fascinating origins of the blood parrot cichlid, the ideal tank setup, including required capacity and water temperature, as well as the best tank mates and feeding tips to keep your fish healthy and happy.