Behavior and TemperamentĬichlids tend to be territorial, aggression is sort of like a ritualistic part of their life. These different hunting strategies have helped them survive in habitats that are not native to them. Some species also feature plump lips that form a grip on uneven surfaces to allow for better suction for detritivores species. They feature sharp teeth for biting, file-like teeth for taking off scales, and flat teeth for chewing on algae. Another interesting strategy is used by Nimbochromis and Parachromis, which involves playing “dead”, acting motionless and attacking any unaware fish that approach.Ĭichlids feature many different types of teeth, most commonly 7 rows of teeth that get shorter the further they go. This involves feeding on scales and fins of other fish. Lepidophagy is another unusual feeding strategy adopted by certain genera of cichlids such as the Corematodus, Docimodus evelynae, Piecodus, and Perissodus. The Paedophagous feed on other species’ eggs or fry, Trematocranus feed on snails, while the Pungu maclareni feed on sponges. There is a huge selection for you to choose from when it comes to Cichlids.Ĭichlids are known to be predatory animals so they use a variety of hunting methods to trap prey such as lunging at their prey from hiding spots (Crenicichla) or chasing them in open water (Ramphochromis). Some Cichlids are laterally compressed, while others are cylindrical in shape, some are 1 inch in size, while others are 3 feet.
#Red zebra cichlid lifespan full
Some of the most common types you will observe in the community or individual aquariums are as follows:Ī family consisting of 2-3000 different species is sure to be full of diversity when it comes to appearance. They are loved, adored, and treasured for their majestic looks and fun personalities (many of them think their homicidal activities to be fun). Out of the vast variety of cichlids, some are quite famous in the aquarium trade. If they are introduced to a different habitat, they become feral and form an invasive group that causes trouble in the local habitat. Madagascar has its own distinct species, namely Katria, Oxylapia, Paratilapia, Paretroplus, Ptychochromis, and Ptychochromoides. Two in Iran and three in Sri Lanka and India. In Asia, there are only 9 native species, one each in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. The majority of their species are found in Africa, an estimated number of 1,600 species, followed by 120 species in Central America and Mexico. HabitatsĬichlids can be found all over the world, except for North America, Australia, Antarctica, and Europe. Thus, the species headcount is roughly estimated to be somewhere between 2,000-3,000. Many new species are annually discovered, not all of which have been formally named and classed. They are a suborder of the Labroidei order (The largest group of fish). Fairly uncommon fish.South American Cichlids are one of the largest vertebrate families in the animal kingdom, with over 1,650 species that have been officially discovered and named. William’s mbuna, also known as ice blue zebra or the Pseudotropheus ice blue among the aquarium enthusiasts, is a species of omnivore cichlid fish endemic to Lake Malawi where it is only found at Makokola in the southeastern arm of the lake.
Water Region: All – These fish will swim in all areas of the aquarium. Lifespan: Mbuna cichlids have a lifespan of about 10 years with proper care.īrackish: Sometimes – Salt is not found in their natural environment, but they do have a slight tolerance, keep levels below 10% – a specific gravity of less than 1.0002. Size of fish at shipping is about 2″ inches, they will grow to about 4.7 inches (11.99 cm) – They attain a length of about 4 3/4″ (12 cm) in the wild, but can grow larger in the aquarium reaching up to 5.28″ (13.4 cm). Ice Blue Zebra Cichlid, William’s Mbuna, Red Top Ice Blue
0 kommentar(er)
