Cichlid Care

There are hundreds of genera of African Cichlids. They differ from one another by appearance as well as their nature and behavior. In this article let us discuss about a few common genera of the African variety of the species. All these are fresh water fish. The main habitats of the African Cichlids are the Victoria, Tanganyika and Malawi lakes. But there are other places too, like the delta region of the River Niger where some varieties are found. These three great African lakes have a high alkaline content, having a pH value of 7.0 to 9.0 in their waters. It will be ideal for the water for the tanks where African Cichlids are to be raised to have a pH value over 8.00.
The Calvus group of the African Cichlids is found in three colors, the Black Calvus, the White Calvus and the Yellow Calvus. The Black Calvus requires very hard water with a pH value from 8.5 to 9. The ideal temperature is 25 to 26 degree Celsius. They are carnivorous and the natural habitat is rocky shallow waters. It grows up to 15 centimeters. It spawns in the substrate material. It is only slightly aggressive.
The White Calvus has an attractive slightly reddish color. The Yellow Calvus has black and white stripes along the breadth of the body. There are yellow spots all over the body. Though the color is different all the three, black, white and the yellow, are of the same in size, shape, food habits, water quality requirements, temperament and habitat. All of them spawn in the substrate soil. All of these are sleek in body shape which enables them to have passage through narrow edifices. That helps them to catch their prey.
The Red Fin has mild manners. The temperament is peaceful. It has a grayish black body. The females and the young ones have red fins. They are found naturally in the rocky shore line of the Lake Malawi. The water should be hard and have a temperature between 25 and 28 degree Celsius. The preferred pH value of water is 7.8 to 8.6. This variety prefers rocks for habitat. A grown up Red Fin will have a length of 20 cm. Being a big fish very big tanks are required by them. Perhaps, the Red Fin is the fastest growing cichlid. During courtship males are slightly aggressive. In eating habits they are carnivorous. The Red Fins are mouth brooders. The female carries the spawn in her mouth and release them after 12 to 18 days. The fry do not return to their mother afterwards.
The Mloto Ivory Head is another cichlid found naturally in Tanganyika Lake. This cichlid has an ivory white blaze from the lip to the dorsal fin. It is blue in color and a fully grown Ivory Head measures up to 15 cm. They are carnivorous and peaceful in temperament. Water temperature in the tank must be between 25 and 28 degree Celsius and pH value 7.8 to 8.6. The Mloto Ivory Heads are a maternal mouth brooder African cichlid.