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CICHLIDS
SOUTH AMERICAN CICHLIDS
More than 225 species, with estimates of 300 species, of cichlids are found throughout
South America. An estimated 75% of these inhabit the mighty Amazon River Basin. However, cichlids are not the most abundant
fish in this river, with them making up only 6-10% of all fish species found there.
South America consists of three major water types: whitewater, clearwater (blue water),
and blackwater.
(1) Whitewater rivers pick up large amounts of sediments from the Andes giving the water a
muddy-brown color. Whitewater receives its name from the white foam of the rapids ofthe upper regions. Whitewater river rivers lack abundant
plant life. Most aquarium species are found in quiet, backwater areas like oxbow lakes. The water properties of white water
rivers are: a pH from 6.8-7.1 and a dH of 3-5.
The best example of a white river river is the Amazon River.
(2) Clear or blue water rivers are tributaries which flow through ancient Brazilian and Guyana
rock beds where little sediment is released into the rivers. The waters of these rivers is very clear and
allows plant growth. Clear water rivers have a pH of 6.9-7.5, and a water hardness of 5-12 dH. The Rio Xingu and the Rio Tocantins
are such rivers.
(3) Blackwater rivers are nutrient poor and tea or black in color from the tanic acid released
from decaying vegetation. Blackwater is crystal clear and has been compared to distilled water due to its lack of
dissolved minerals. Blackwater rivers are acidic (6.0 pH) and soft, with little measurable water hardness (0
dH). The
Rio Negro is the most famous of the blackwater rivers.
Among South American Cichlids are the well-known Angelfish, Discus, and Oscar. Others
include the Acaras, New World Dwarf Cichlids (Apistogramma and related), Eartheaters, and many
others.
South American Cichlids differ greatly from one another in
body shape, coloration, and survival habits.
Since they differ so greatly, no general description of South American
Cichlids, as a whole, can be accurately included.
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