I bought some chiclids (yellow labs, electric blues & cobalt blues) about 45 days ago. They were only about 1" when I bought them and some of them are already up to 2" (most are only at about 1 1/2" still) What is the average growth rate for chiclids? How long until they get to be the huge 5" and bigger size? I know that they will all grow at their own rate and according to how much I feed them and tank size...so I am just asking in general, but here's my details...I feed them 2 times per day, 9 fish (3 of each) in a 55 gallon tank.
2006-12-25 12:59:10 · 4 answers · asked by schwabapoo 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Sorry about my spelling skills! Guess I should have used the spell check before posting! ***CICHLIDS***
2006-12-25 16:47:08 · update #1
Oh my God! Whatever you do, don't start giving them live feeder fish. Very few African cichlids are carnivores. Their digestive systems are not suitable for meat. It will cause what is called the "Malawi Bloat." The intestines get blocked and they die.
Give them a good high quality spirulina flake and a good mid range protein flake (around 35-40% protein). Do regular weekly 25-35% water changes and they should reach adult breeding size in less than 6-8 months. Tank size has nothing to do with how big a fish gets! Water quality and good food are the two most important aspects and will allow a fish to grow to its' species' adult size.
I keep and breed African and South American cichlids. I have 24 tanks up and running right now with mostly Africans from the Rift Lakes (as are the fish you described).
Just make sure each fish can find a hiding place if he feels the need. Africans are agressive, but usually only with fish that look like themselves (conspecifics) because they stake out territories to compete for females.
Three of each is a good mix and in a 55 you shouldn't have any trouble if there are enough caves and rocks for them to hide in and around. A good idea is to have a large tall decoration in the center of the tank to break up the sight lines so they can't see each other from one end of the tank to the other.
Plants are not good, cichlids will eat them or just tear them up.
2006-12-25 14:38:36 · answer #1 · answered by 8 In the corner 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
African cichlids grow very quickly. It's pretty normal for them to hit 2" in a few months.
The fish you listed typically will max out at 3-4" standard length (standard length = tip of nose to base of caudal tail). This length is typically achieved around 1-1.5 years old.
Growth is also very dependant on water temperatures. The warmer the tank the faster they will grow.
2006-12-26 02:06:55 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe a couple of Salvini cichlids. They get about 6 inches and you would not have to replace the tank.
2016-05-23 06:37:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
with the size of your tank it shouldn't take more then a year for them to be huge.....on another note you might want to watch them as they get larger that they don't start biting on eat other, also an even better idea to get them to grow faster is feed them small gold fish.
2006-12-25 13:03:48 · answer #4 · answered by jittarbug 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋