Facts About African Cichlids

African cichlids are tropical freshwater fish. They are very popular with aquarium enthusiasts due to their beautiful colors, patterns and breeding habits. Unfortunately, they are also known for their aggressive and territorial behavior.

  1. Habitat

    • African cichlids most commonly originate from the Great Lakes of the Rift Valley of Africa, such as Lake Victoria, Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika.

    Aggression

    • African cichlids can be very dominant and aggressive. Cichlid breeders are advised to limit the number of males in a fish tank and increase the quantity of females. A ratio of three females to one male is ideal.

    Diet

    • Cichlids can be carnivores, herbivores or omnivores, but carnivores do need some vegetation in their diet and vice versa. Food sources include algae, plankton and small fish.

    Diseases

    • Malawi bloat is the most common disease among cichlids and is not limited to fish from Lake Malawi. Malawi bloat occurs mostly in herbivorous cichlids and is usually caused by stress, low water quality and bad diet. Symptoms include a swollen abdomen and strings of white feces hanging from the fish.

    Endangerment

    • Over 100 species of cichlids are classified as endangered and critically endangered, primarily due to overfishing.