How big do black belt cichlids get?

Can African cichlids live with plecos in the same tank?

Given that Plecos spend most of their time at the bottom of the aquarium, your African Cichlids will have enough room to swim around without interfering with their immediate tank mates.

What is the best filter for black belt cichlids?

As with most predatory species a highly efficiant filter is needed because of the amount of waste that thet produce. The filters or a powerhead should provide moderate water movement for the Black Belt Cichlids.

Can a black belt cichlid live with other fish?

Though they are large at a maximum of 12″ and can be aggressive and are not considered a community fish, the Black Belt Cichlid has a somewhat more docile manner than many of its relatives. It can be kept with others of its own species, a group of 6 if they are raised together in a very large tank.

How to choose the best African cichlid tankmates?

Another consideration when selecting African cichlid tankmates is where they live in the aquarium. Fish like suckermouth catfish or plecos are slow moving and spend most of their time at the bottom of the tank. Plus, they are algae eaters, so they serve a useful purpose. However, plecos can not live on algae alone.

Is the black belt cichlid Paraneetroplus maculicauda a good beginner fish?

The attractive Black Belt Cichlid Paraneetroplus maculicauda (previously Vieja maculicauda and Cichlasoma maculicauda) is a popular choice for both beginner and experienced fishkeepers. As with most cichlids, the Black Belt Cichlid is an intelligent fish and can come to recognize and respond to a particular owner.

Are black belt cichlids easy to care for?

The Black Belt Cichlid is fairly easy to care for, but as with most Cichlids they are best to be cared for by fish keepers with some experience. A beginner fishkeeper might find it difficult to diligently perform the amount of requisite water changes needed by these fish and to maintain the size of aquarium these fish perfer.

What is the best substrate for cichlids?

Onyx is one of the best Cichlid substrates due to it being exclusive to these fish. The darker color of this substrate will also help bring out the bright colors of your cichlids. Electric blues and yellows will stand out even more in the aquarium.

What are the best tank mates for African cichlids?

These tend to be considered the ideal tank mates for African cichlids. If you want to play it safe and ensure that no one gets attacked, then the best option will always be a solo-species tank.

What size tank does an African cichlid need?

Tank Size African Cichlids are very aggressive and active, so they need space to swim and claim their territory. When adding other fish, consider that larger Cichlids need at least a 30 gallon tank and smaller ones require a minimum of 20 gallons. For every other fish you want to put in, add three extra gallons on average.

Is a maculicauda an aggressive fish?

Vieja maculicauda is a tough, aggressive fish and should be respected as such. Maculicauda is a relatively easy fish to keep. They are not impossible to breed, but not the easiest fish either.

What is a black belt cichlid?

With its docile temperament and unique white, black, and red coloring the Black Belt Cichlid makes for an intriguing and beautiful foray into fishkeeping! The attractive Black Belt Cichlid Paraneetroplus maculicauda (previously Vieja maculicauda and Cichlasoma maculicauda) is a popular choice for both beginner and experienced fishkeepers.

Is black belt cichlid Paraneetroplus maculicauda on the IUCN Red List?

The Black Belt Cichlid Paraneetroplus maculicauda (previously Vieja maculicauda and Cichlasoma maculicauda) was described by Regan in 1905. The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Are African cichlids hard to keep?

African cichlids and rift valley lake specimens are relatively hardy fish, so they are reasonably easy to maintain and keep. Other species like oscars and convicts are also rather tough and robust. However, varieties like discus are notoriously sensitive and challenging to keep.

How do black belt cichlids breed in captivity?

Black belt cichlids breed in captivity relatively easy. They’re egg-layers; eggs are laid on a previously cleaned rock. After 2-3 days the fry should hatch and will be free swimming a few days later. The parent fish will move the fry around the aquarium and pits will be made in the substrate to provide a nest. The fry should be fed Artemia salina.

Is Pearl Beach good for cichlids?

Pearl Beach is a natural aragonite substrate suitable for marine and freshwater aquariums. It is very suitable for Cichlid aquarium because of its unique pH buffering capacity. Cichlids require a higher pH and this substrate will provide that. It has a fine subtle texture and is suitable for cichlids to dig and sift through the sand.

What is the best substrate for Malawi cichlids?

Click Here To Check For Prices On High-Quality, Budget Friendly Substrate for Malawi Cichlids! The Carib Sea Crushed Coral (Click here to check for product prices and availability) is a common favorite among aquarists as an aquarium substrate for a variety of creatures.

What are cichlid substrates and why are they important?

Cichlid substrates are important for the prolonged health and wellbeing of your fish. Most of these substrates will add buffers to the water to keep the pH at a higher level than most freshwater aquariums. Cichlids thrive in high alkaline pH and higher GH waters. This is mostly due to the limestone rich waters of their natural habitats in Africa.

What are the best tank parameters for African cichlids?

The following is the average parameters for African Cichlids: pH: 6.5 to 8.5 Water Flow: a strong current like a river; use a filter, air and/or water pump African Cichlids love open water or rocky spaces. Since most tank mates for Cichlids are bottom feeders, they like soft substrates. So, you will have to find a way to accommodate them all.

Are African cichlids good tank mates for catfish?

Like all Catfish, they’re bottom feeders, so they will make good tank mates for African Cichlids. They’re very peaceful and shy with an arrow-shaped, cylinder-like body. Their mouths have three delicate barbels with tough, thick scales that range from brown to black and even a deep blue.

Are there different types of African cichlids?

There are different species of African cichlids available, and they not only differ in color but also in size. Often I get asked: what is the minimum tank size for African cichlids?