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CICHLIDS
CENTRAL AMERICAN CICHLIDS
Central American Cichlids are well-known for their pugnacious behavior and their stunning
colors. Most of these cichlid are large, thus requiring large tanks. Most of the Central American Cichlid
belong to a group known as Cichlasomines.
These fish inhabit most types of water ways throughout Central America
including lakes, streams, rivers, even underground water sources.
SIZE: Many of the fish in the group of Cichlasomines attain a size of 8" (20 cm) or
more. In only a few species does the male not exceed 6" (15 cm)
TANK: Cichlasomines need a large, roomy tank with plenty of open swimming areas. Usually
a 48” (122 cm) tank with a capacity of 55 gallons (209 L) will do. With their pugnacious nature, the tank
should always have large hiding places created for fish that are harassed or ailing. An over-turned flowerpot, a large piece
of wood, or a rocky cave will serve as an adequate retreat. Unfortunately, many Cichlasomines have a habit
of destroying plants in some way: either eaten, up-rooted, or just demolished.
WATER: Cichlasomines usually inhabit water with a pH ranging from neutral (7.0) to alkaline
(8.5). They prefer medium hard to hard with a dH from 8-20. The water temperature is usually from
72-81°F (22-27°C).
SB: Cichlasomines are known for their aggressive behavior. Battles between mates, males, and other
species often leave the tank looking like a war zone.
In these conflicts it is common to have an injured fish or fishes. The
trick to avoiding these attacks is to provide a large open tank with plenty of territory for each fish. Do
not over-populate the tank because cichlids in close confines will fight. Combine fish that have equal power and
size so one fish does not have a disadvantage.
With all species, the brood is carefully cared for and defended rigorously. Spawning
time is probably the most dangerous for other fish in the tank. It is best to remove the other fish in the tank
when pair begins to prepare for spawning
SC: Cichlasomines can be combined with each other, along with large, robust catfish such
as Pimelodids, Loricarids, and Doradids.
In one chooses not to keep a geographically correct aquarium, South
American cichlids and African Haplochromines,Tilapia, andHemichromis are also acceptable. Large
South American Characins are also suitable tank mates.
FOOD: Cichlasomines will eat almost any food. Most fish enjoy being fed an occasional
feeder fish along with frequent helpings of earthworms,Tubifex, insects, insect larvae, and large
crustaceans. They will also accept large flake foods, pellets, tablets, and such vegetables as spinach, peas,
and lettuce.
B: To attempt breeding Cichlasomines, one must first find a compatible pair. This
can be done by obtaining 6-10 juvenile fish and letting them pair off. When a pair that appears suitable for
each other forms, use the pair for breeding.
Cichlasomines for the most part, are open spawners, who lay large amounts
of eggs on a rock, root, or plant.
The female usually guards the egg, while the male aggressively defends
the territory against all other fish.
The parents continue their guard for the fry even when they are first
free-swimming. The fry can be raised onArtemia nauplii, dry foods, and other small live
foods.
BP: Usually breeding is not that difficult although the parents often cause many problems
with their aggressive brood care.
R: The Cichlasomine group is undergoing taxonomic review, after genus ofCichlasoma
was taxonomically orphaned. To avoid this controversy and ion lieu of any better suggestions, the fish formerly of
Cichlasomawill be referred to with quotation marks– “Cichlasoma.” In parentheses will be the sub-groupings as suggested by Miller. This section will be organized into
the sub-groupings.
DC: For the most part, Cichlasomines are hardy, but highly aggressive fish. They can be combined with each other
in large tanks.
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