African Cichlids?

Question

What type of aquarium environment is best, tank mates that do well with cichlids,# of fish total in 10 or 20 gallon tank,and anything else you think might be useful to know ??

Answer 1

Best fish I can think of to accompany cichlids is other cichlids.

I had African cichlids for about 2 years. They are beautiful fish. Unfortunately, they can also be very aggressive fish. I had 6 cichlids in a 55 gallon tank, the largest grew to about 5 inches long. There is definitely a 'power structure' that forms in the tank. For example, there will be a dominant fish (usually the largest) who will feed faster and first. In this enviro, smaller cichlids introduced to the tank arel likely to be nipped at by the more dominant fish.

The best advice I got about raising cichlids was to match the fish in your tank to be on pretty equal size and status. This means if you have active, aggressive, larger ciclids in your tank, don't introduce slower, more docile ones. They will get nipped at. Hang out at the pet store and watch the tank before purchasing the fish. After a couple of minutes, it will be clear who the more aggressive/less aggressive fish are.

Also, cichlids are one of the few pet fish (to my knowledge) that are carnivorous and like live feed. Small minnows work well.

Good luck with the new tank!

Answer 2

In the long run, African Cichlids should best be kept only with other African Cichlids. They like high Ph, very hard water. They like temps around 78-80 degrees. They like to have lots of stacked rocks to hide in and carve out territories.

10-20 gallons is a bit small for an african tank long term as they mostly get between 4 to 6 inches total length. But try about 5 or so to start out with and go from there.

Answer 3

Cichlids, even just african cichlids is such a very broad category of fish that almost no single statement applies to all of them as far as care and keeping. A 10 -20 gallon tank is too small for any but the smallest africans however. I would suggest you look at the smaller shell dwelling africans. Here's a few links that will give you some sample names and groups that you can check into.

http://www.aquariacentral.com/articles/shelldwellers.shtml
http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/cichlid/shelldwellers.php
http://www.cichlidrecipe.com/crp17.htm

Hope that helps

MM

Answer 4

A 10 or 20 gallon tank is really to small for most Africans as I found(I started out with a 20 Gallon and will have to upgrade to something around 50 as they get older).African cichlids should only be housed with other Africans and even then not all types are compatible.Why don't you get a pair of convicts or firemouths instead they would love a 20 gallon tank.

Answer 5

My ex and I used to have Cichlids. We had a very large tank for them (60 gallons) and had no more than one fish per two gallons. We had about 30 small fish. They had plenty of room and seemed to like it. Most of the bigger fish seemed to try to eat them and the Cichlids seemed to do best with other Cichlids, but the fish store clerk would/can suggest the best companion fish for them. I would suggest providing them with some hiding places and make certain they have a clean and healthy environment. Good Luck!

Answer 6

The general rule is one inch of fish per one gallon of tank. Cichlids are very territorial and are only ok with a good size catfish or plecostmous (sp??). You will need to maintain a Ph level b/w 7.8-8.2. Your local petstore can help you with chemical purchase. In the meantime, check out this website
www.allcichlids.com.
Good luck!!

Answer 7

only simply by fact its on youtube doesnt propose its appropriate. For the main area, Africans are somewhat too rowdy for the individuals. sometimes, you will get a stable mixture although, yet maximum individuals get alot larger than the Africans, so as that would substitute right into a situation. to boot, the fout foot tank you have is likely only large adequate for the dempseys. Its probable sixty 5-ninety gallons. in case you have a pair of dempseys, Im undecided why you attempt to function issues, they are going to easily be killed...

Answer 8

Not in a 10gallon! In a twenty maybe two of the smallest chillids will work! Chillids are aggressive fish and don't do well with other tropical fish!

Answer 9

Such cool fish. I love them. Check out this Petco check sheet to see what they require and if you've got it. I once had one I named "Einstein" which translates to "one stone" because he built himself a little den under a rock by removing the gravel one stone at a time. So cute.

© 2004, PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. All rights reserved. (0915) 1 of 2
There are over 1,200 species of cichlids, the majority of which are found in
Africa. African cichlids are one of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish.
They are known for their interesting behaviors, extroverted personalities, and
pleasing appearances.
Is an African cichlid the right choice for your aquarium?
If you answered “Yes” to these statements, an African cichlid may be the right choice for you! Continue reading
about how to care for an African cichlid and consult with a PETCO associate to learn more. PETCO is committed
to responsible aquarium care.
Average Size 2 to 10+ inches long, depending on species Life Span Depends on species
Diet Food may be flaked, dried, frozen, or live
Avoid exclusive food which is not nutritionally complete
Feeding Depending on species and size, feed small amounts two or three times a day, no more than
fish can eat in three to five minutes
Thaw frozen foods before feeding
Housing African cichlids should be kept in an appropriate size aquarium
Provide plenty of substrate, rocks, and hiding places, especially during spawning
Water temperature should range from 72° F. to 82° F.
Stable water quality, water temperature, and pH levels are critical to the health of fish. If
you are unsure of your water quality or pH levels, PETCO provides free water testing.
Recommended
Supplies
Yes No Check “Yes” or “No” after reading the following statements:
❑ ❑ 1. I have room for an appropriate size aquarium.
❑ ❑ 2. The African cichlid would be compatible with my other
aquarium inhabitants.
❑ ❑ 3. I can commit to providing proper care for this African cichlid.
❑ ❑ 4. A mature person will provide responsible and primary care for this fish.
❑ Appropriate size aquarium ❑ Aquarium cover ❑ Net
❑ Water conditioner ❑ Appropriate food ❑ Filter
❑ Water test kit ❑ Aquarium salt ❑ Décor
❑ Thermometer ❑ Appropriate lighting ❑ Airstone
❑ Heater ❑ Substrate ❑ Air pump
❑ Book about African cichlids or freshwater aquariums
African Cichlids
Includes electric blue johanni, red zebra, and livingston
2 of 2 SKU 927090 © 2004, PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. All rights reserved. (0915)
Characteristics Expand fins and gill covers as defense mechanism
Can learn to recognize their mate, as well as their owner
Habitat
Maintenance
Check filter, other equipment and temperature daily
Check water quality at least once a week
Change 10–25% of the total volume of water every two to four weeks, or as needed
Introduce new fish to the aquarium gradually
Compatibility Cichlids may become aggressive and territorial
Signs of a
Healthy Fish
Common
Health Issues
Signs of Illness
If you notice any of these signs, test water quality and improve as necessary.
Preventing
Common
Health Issues
Avoid crowded conditions; they are a major cause of stress and disease
Maintain good water quality with regular water changes and adequate filtration
Sources Aquarium Fish by Dick Mills
Cichlids: A Complete Introduction by Dr. Robert J. Goldstein
Tropical Fish: Setting Up and Maintaining Fresh and Marine Aquaria by Reginald Dutta
Note: The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional
information, please refer to the above sources or contact your veterinarian as appropriate.

 Loss of color or appetite
 Spots or fungus on body or mouth

 Erratic swimming
 Frayed fins
Health Issue (alpha) Symptoms or Causes Suggested Action
Fin Rot Frayed or disintegrating fins.
The base of the fins usually
reddens
Improve water quality; commercial
antibiotics may be effective
Ich White spots appear on fins
and body; fish rubs against
hard objects or swims
awkwardly
Quarantine fish immediately.
Use a commercial Ich remedy for at
least two weeks

 Clear eyes
 Healthy appetite

 Bright, even coloring
 Clean in appearance
African Cichlids
Includes electric blue johanni, red zebra, and livingston