Characteristics of African Cichlids

Cichlids are a variety of freshwater fish found in many parts of the world. African cichlids are a variety of cichlid that is found in Africa. They have become common in home aquariums too. These fish are not choosy about what they eat and are also prolific, among other characteristics that have ensured their ubiquity.

  1. Appearance

    • African cichlids have a colorful appearance and come in bright colors, including orange and blue. In an aquarium setting, these fish grow to be 4 to 6 inches long, or even longer. They start out at about 1 to 2 inches long. They also tend to be graceful.

    Temperament

    • These fish tend to be aggressive by nature, but some varieties of African cichlids are more aggressive than others. The less aggressive types of African cichlids include the yellow labidochrimis. Considering this aggressive temperament, it is a good idea to get advice before mixing these fish up with other varieties in an aquarium. As well, it may also be better to start out with a group of similarly sized juvenile cichlids, so that one of them doesn't become dominant and harass the smaller fish.

    Territorial Tendency

    • Another characteristic of African cichlids is that they have territorial tendencies that are a carryover from their time in craggy African lakes. They don't just swim around the aquarium, they also tend to stake their territories. This could lead to conflicts between the individuals as they fight over their territory. Some aquarium owners may see this as part of the attraction of owning these fish.

    Adjusting to Aquarium Setting

    • In an aquarium setting, African cichlids also tend to dig into the substrate of the aquarium. This is particularly true when the aquarium has sand or gravel. If you plan on getting African cichlids, this is just something that you may have to live with, if you are the sort of person who fancies a level aquarium floor. In terms of water supply, these fish prefer soft, acid water, much like other varieties of fish.