Cichlid Care - What You Need to Know

There are over 1,500 different cichlid species in the world that come from the same Cichidae family. They are found in different countries including Africa, the United States, and parts of Asia and South America. Cichlid care is rather easy, since most breeds in this species are known to be hardy fish.

Green Texas Cichlid by Scott Kinmartin

One of the main guidelines to follow, when caring for a cichlid, is to try to replicate their original habitat. When they are in the wild, they care for themselves. However, when in captivity, they depend on their owner for survival. The main objective to cichlid care is to get your aquarium as close as you can to its native home. If you are able to mimic their natural habitat then a lot of the cichlid care will take care of itself and you will also be able to keep cichlid aggression in check this way.

When caring for cichlids, water temperatures are very important. Most breeds of cichlids thrive in water that is kept at a constant 82 degrees. The reason water temperatures are so important in relation to cichlid care is because it can directly affect your fish's metabolism and activity. Cichlids kept in warmer tanks will generally be faster than those kept in cooler tanks and they will most often eat more, as well. A heating element for your aquarium is necessary for a healthy cichlid. You should get an electronic heater so that you can set a temperature and the heater keeps the aquarium at that constant temperature. Also make sure that your aquarium is not in direct sunlight during any part of the day because that will make it very difficult to regulate water temperature. On the same token, make sure that you do not place the aquarium in a part of the house that has drafts since that will cause the digital heating element to work harder than it should need to.

Most cichlids prefer regular water, or alkaline water for their habitat. This is the opposite of other fish species, including goldfish. Goldfish prefer slightly acidic water, and neutral pH. Testing your aquarium water regularly is essential to good cichlid care. Levels of 8 to 9 pH are ideal.

Cichlid care can take a lot of time and devotion. If you are not willing to put forth the effort that it takes, you should not reconsider purchasing this species of fish. However, if you do put in the time, keeping cichlids can be very rewarding. Especially since they are the most vibrant and colorful freshwater fish.

Author Resource: Written by Preston Mane
Discover more specifics of cichlid care on my website. On my site you can also learn about specific species, like the African Cichlid.

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