To set up an aquarium for Cichlids, you have to create many hideout places for them. The bigger and brighter colored fish will be expensive than the normal fishes. A 55 gallon tank can house up to 15 African cichlids depending on species, maximum size and temperament. To encourage breeding, avoid adding any new fish to the tank. Let us take a look at the commonly found diseases in fish. The fact that their damaged or lost teeth are replaced in every 100 days makes Cichlid more fascinating. It will help in early diagnosis and cure. Tank Size. Your email address will not be published. In this guide, we will discuss everything from their appearance to how to care from them. These fish come from lakes and streams in this region with a moderate amount of current. While you can keep a small colony in an 85-gallon tank, it is best to invest in a 125-gallon aquarium. Peacock cichlids need a minimum of 55 gallons. The most ideal tank size for the Bumblebee Cichlids is a 50-gallon aquarium for just one fish. Each one of them having a unique and beautiful appearance. Tank Setup. Without a doubt Cichlids are by far one of the most popular types of freshwater fish. They are not suitable for beginner aquarists. Kribensis Cichlid is a fish that is common in tropical regions of Africa. Some of them have evolved teeth to scrape off algae from rocks while some have fang-like to hunt small fishes. They are found in Lake Malawi. Now, a captiveenvironment will never be the same as the natural habitat of these beings. Gary C . African catfish are perfect for them as they are bottom dwellers and fast swimmers. While the majority of African cichlids grow to be at least five inches and longer, there are also interesting African cichlids suitable for smaller aquariums. Small African cichlids include the Dwarf Julidochromis and Neolamprologus. Believe it or not, this is one of those times where bigger is better. Including some squashed coral utilized for saltwater tanks can … These fish can grow up to 5 inches, but they are not ideal for a small aquarium. Lake Malawi. There are approximately 1500 species that belong to this family. So, if you see the color fading, it can be a signal of poor health. For the herbivores, you can feed them raw fruits and vegetables. Keep 8-12 of them in one tank. Their whole body has five black vertical bars with horizontal rows of spots either in blue or green color. African Cichlid Guide: Types, Tank Mates, Tank Size, Care, Etc. The size of an African cichlid tank often depends on the type, size and number of fish you are planning to keep. They are usually found in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Rivers. Species under six inches in size will appreciate a 30-gallon tank. For every inch of fully-grown fish, you should have no less than two gallons of water. How Many African Cichlids Can You Put in A 55-Gallon Tank? Once you keep them, you will know why they are so popular among the aquarists. NOTE : I SUPPORT PARROT FISH CICHLIDS JOIN OUR PRIDE. What size tank for African cichlids? Small fish should also be avoided, as they will likely become an easy meal. Malawi or African Cichlid. You can sign in to vote the answer. They will make your aquarium look alive with their colorful appearances. However, these beautiful fishes are not easy to maintain. It’s maximum length can be close to 4″. Their vivid appearance is the reason for their popularity. However, the cichlids are extremely variable in length with some growing up to about 8 to 9 inches long. If you want to keep more than one Cichlid, make enough hiding places or caves for them to claim their territory. Choose an aquarium of at least 75 gallons for a mixed community of Mbuna rock dwellers, Peacock cichlids and other medium sized species. Since the African Cichlid is aggressive by nature and water quality is extremely important for them to thrive, tank size is one of the most important considerations. Your subscription could not be saved. Use this as a guide to judge the best tank size for your species, remembering that a larger tank is always best and will reduce aggression. Like their South American counterparts, there are also some African Cichlids that reach an impressive size, making great specimens for a large show tank. What are the qualities that you loved most about them? For smaller cichlids and shell dwellers, they can be kept in an aquarium of no less than a 33 gallons. For community tanks, the gallon size should be at least doubled. African cichlids do better when crowded with other African cichlids, but they should be monitored for aggressive behavior and removed if needed. Now, you know how do you take care of African cichlids. If you are looking to answer “how many African cichlids in a 55 gallon tank?” with “a lot” then the African Butterfly is your fish. To make the conditions hospitable for the fish, you have to copy their native environment. If you are going to have more than one Cichlid, you must have a large tank! This is one of the brightest colored dwarf cichlids. Most African Cichlids originate from giant lakes in Africa, where thousands of species are known to exist. As we already know, they have a vivid appearance, and each species have their unique quality. After that, she leaves and is ready to breed again. Their active lifestyle includes pulling off the decorations or digging through the substrate for finding food or hunting. Keeping a well balanced tank with all of the … They are raised in different water conditions, and their immune systems are different. Species that grow up to eight inches require a tank that 55-gallons at the very least. Scales on the sides at different angles of view shimmer with purple and azure colors. It depends on specie to specie and can sometimes vary between individuals of the same species as well. Adding rockery to the aquarium is a must for African Cichlids in order to provide hiding places. Species Suitable for a Nano African Cichlid Tank: African cichlids don’t have to be kept in a large aquarium. They have a yellow body with fins having black tips making their appearance stand out from the other fishes. Your email address will not be published. A general rule of thumb is 1 gallon per inch of fish (check out the typical adult sizes). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This tank should be 5 ft in length if you are going to house them with other tank mates.