Are African cichlids tropical fish?

Cichlids are primarily freshwater fishes and are found in tropical America, mainland Africa and Madagascar, and southern Asia. The majority of species are African, appearing in great diversity in the major African lakes.

1. Is cichlid a tropical fish?
2. Can you put African cichlids with tropical fish?
3. Are cichlids freshwater fish?
4. What kind of water do African cichlids live in?
5. Are African cichlids freshwater?
6. What do African cichlids like in their tank?
7. Can cichlids live with bettas?
8. Are cichlids good for beginners?
9. How big do plecos get?
10. Why are African cichlids so colorful?
11. Are cichlids aggressive?
12. What do cichlids need in a tank?
13. How do I keep my cichlids happy?
14. Are cichlids dirty fish?

Is cichlid a tropical fish?

Cichlids are some of the most popular and fascinating of all tropical freshwater fish. They can be found from South and Central America (even in North America,) to Africa, Madagascar, India and even in Iran.

Can you put African cichlids with tropical fish?

The answer is a simple Yes! However, you should be aware of their natural habitat. For instance, African Cichlids prefer slightly alkaline water and can be very aggressive. You should also avoid keeping similar species of Cichlids together because they may produce undesirable hybrids.

Are cichlids freshwater fish?

Cichlids are a large family of freshwater fishes that can be found in Africa, Central and South America, parts of Jordan, Iran, India and Sri Lanka. It is estimated that there are at least 1,350 species of cichlids worldwide, with hundreds more species yet to be discovered.

What kind of water do African cichlids live in?

Check the temperature your African cichlids will need before you bring them home. Tropical fish need warm water that's between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit (23-28 Celsius). Choose an aquarium heater with 5 watts of power for each gallon of water in the aquarium.

Are African cichlids freshwater?

Cichlids are primarily freshwater fishes and are found in tropical America, mainland Africa and Madagascar, and southern Asia. The majority of species are African, appearing in great diversity in the major African lakes.

What do African cichlids like in their tank?

Standard aquarium sand or gravel can be used, but crushed coral, coral sand or crushed oyster shell will help maintain the proper pH and alkalinity to support good health and color in your African cichlids. A 1" to 2" bed is best, as many species love to dig!

Can cichlids live with bettas?

Because both these types of fish are aggressive and territorial, they cannot be kept in a tank together. Large cichlids will swallow bettas whole. It would be stressful for bettas to be kept in a tank with cichlids. They would harass them, and dwarf cichlids may nip at bettas fins.

Are cichlids good for beginners?

If there is one universally agreed upon beginner cichlid, it's probably the convict cichlid. These fish are incredibly hardy, breed readily, and are extremely prolific. ... While these fish can be kept in semi-aggressive community tanks, it's recommended to keep them in a species only aquarium.

How big do plecos get?

As many, many aquarists have discovered, one of the big problems with the common plecos is that they get big. Really big. These guys tend to max out, in the average home aquarium, at between 12 and 24 inches, and some can get bigger. This puts the fish at a size that is far too large for average home aquariums.

Why are African cichlids so colorful?

Most species of African Cichlids are sexually dimorphic, meaning that male members of a species are brightly colored while females are a subdued hue. This odd color variation between sexes is important for ensuring the safety of the females in a colony.

Are cichlids aggressive?

One of the major reasons (besides mating) that cichlids are so territorial is due to food. If they find that food is scarce, they are more apt to be aggressive and guard their territory. ... Just be sure not to feed your fish sporadically or aggression in your tank could increase.

What do cichlids need in a tank?

African cichlids need a water temperature of 75-85°F and a pH of 7.8-8.6 should keep most species healthy. Africa's great lakes have quite hard water, 4-6 dH, so try not to use soft water in your tank. Moderate lighting is fine for them.

How do I keep my cichlids happy?

Cichlids prefer warm water with a high pH. While cichlids tend to be able to tolerate a wide variety of temperatures and water types, their colors will appear brighter and more vibrant in water with a pH of around eight. Many pet and aquarium stores sell aquarium additives that are designed for cichlids.

Are cichlids dirty fish?

They have been known to grow up to 18inches, so they need a fairly large tank. Ideally a 75-gallon tank and a further 50 gallons for each additional Oscar added. The aquarium should have good filtration as they are known for being messy fish.