How long do dolphin cichlids live?

Can Blue Dolphin cichlids live with Mbuna?

The mbuna species should be specifically avoided as a tank mate with the blue dolphin cichlid as the mbuna cichlid from Lake Malawi are very scrappy and territorial and do not live peacefully with blue dolphin cichlids. However, the blue dolphin cichlids are said to form a good ecosystem with the Malawi cichlids as well as the peacock cichlids.

Are there Blue Dolphin cichlids in Malawi lakes?

Malawi Lakes are the home of Blue Dolphin Cichlids, and you’re likely to find them in these lakes today still, as there are no huge natural threats for this fish, which has allowed them to spread and breed better. For the most part, these fish like to swim around the edge of the lake where there is a sandy type of substrate.

Can mbuna fish live in the same tank?

The mbuna species ought to be particularly dodged as a tank mate. These two fish have a long and checkered history and you can expect these fish to constantly fight if they are kept in the same tank. They can be aggressive at times, especially when breeding.

What should you know about mbuna cichlids before buying them?

You should always consider their aggressiveness when selecting ideal partners for them. So, that’s a roundup of all the essential information you need to read up on mbuna cichlids to keep a thriving mbuna tank.

Where do Blue Dolphin cichlids live?

The blue dolphin cichlids are native to the Lake Malawi region around the African Rift Valley lake area. Presently, there are no recognized threats for the blue dolphin cichlids, and the fish are widespread throughout the lakes.

Are there cichlids in Lake Malawi?

Cichlidae. Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae Endemic to Lake Malawi. It has a widespread distribution, primarily inhabiting areas of shallow water with sandy substrates. Despite this range it doesn’t seem to be very common in the lake.

Do mbuna cichlids eat algae?

This is a very bad food source for the mbuna cichlid. If an aquarist does not feed their fish for a day, the fish usually feed themselves through the algae formed on the decorative rocks of the tank. Owners should leave one day every week for this purpose. It results in a cleaner tank with fewer algae.

How do you decorate a Mbuna cichlid tank?

An Mbuna cichlid tank should be decorated with plenty of rocks, caves, and other hiding places. Mbuna cichlids are some of the most brightly colored freshwater fishes in the world, exhibiting a wide range of colors and patterns.

What is wrong with African cichlids?

One of the biggest problems associated with a heavily stocked African cichlid aquarium is ensuring every fish gets enough food. When we feed a commercial fish food we will always feed a large pellet type first. This effectively muzzles the larger fish.

What size aquarium do I need for mbuna?

Choose an aquarium of at least 75 gallons for a mixed community of Mbuna rock dwellers, Peacock cichlids and other medium sized species. Dwarf Julidochromis, Lamprologus and Neolamprologus from Lake Tanganyika can be kept in aquariums of 20 to 30 gallons.

What size filter do I need for a Mbuna cichlid?

Choose a filter rated at least one size larger than your aquarium and use multiple filters on tanks larger than 90 gallons. Generally, a combined flow rate of at least 10 times the aquarium volume is recommended. Mbuna cichlids are mostly herbivores, while Peacocks, Haplochromines and many Tanganyikan cichlids are carnivorous.

How do you decorate a fish tank with cichlids?

When decorating your aquarium, position rocks directly on the aquarium bottom and add substrate around them to prevent stacked rocks from tumbling and damaging the tank if your cichlids burrow under lower ones. Add enough rockwork and other décor for the first few fish but leave room to add more as you add new fish.

How do you prevent diseases in African cichlids?

The best way to prevent diseases and parasites in African cichlids is to keep them on a healthy diet and by controlling the water conditions. One thing that can cause your fish to become sick is that there is an imbalance of chemicals, pH or beneficial minerals in the water.

How to attract mbuna to my Aquarium?

The first thing to consider is decor. In Malawi the rocks where mbuna are found would need moving with a JCB, but we can use lots of smaller rocks, say 15cm/6in across, in piles in the aquarium.

What size filter do I need for my Aquarium?

Look for a filter that is capable of running a tank at least as large as yours, ideally a bit bigger. If you keep messy fish, such as goldfish or cichlids, or you want to run a heavily stocked mbuna tank, you’ll need to consider upgrading to something more powerful.

How do you decorate a cichlid tank?

However, the variety, number and size of cichlids you have will help you determine which tank decorations to choose. Large cichlids, such as oscars, need room to move and can dislodge small items easily. A sparsely-decorated tank consisting of large rocks or aquarium caves are ideal for these large fish.

How to set up an African cichlid aquarium?

Set up the aquarium at least 1 day before you add any fish. A good rule of thumb for African Cichlids is to get at least a 4-foot-wide aquarium.

What is wrong with my African cichlid?

African Cichlid’s Disease and Treatment. Malawi Cichlids are relatively hardy, but they are still vulnerable to diseases. The main reasons for disease are poor water quality and stress. As an fishkeeper, you should be prepared to get into routine for weekly water changes.

What size filter do I need for a 29 gallon tank?

A planted 29 gallon tank will need a filter that has a flow rate of 95-115 GPH. While a 29 gallon reef tank will need a filter with a flow rate of 150-190 GPH. A good size filter for a 30 gallon fish tank is one with a flow rate of 120-150 GPH (gallons per hour).

What size water filter do I need for my Aquarium?

In order to keep your aquariums water as clean as possible, it is recommended that you have a filter that is powerful enough to turn the tanks water over at least 4 times and hour. That means if you have a 20 gallon tank you will need a filter that has a minimum flow rate of 80 GPH (gallons per hour).

Can I use two different filters in my fish tank?

The other thing you can do is to use two of the same filters in your fish tank, and they should be of a standard size if the tank is vast, their size will be more if the tank is extra-large. If your tank is small, then you will need a low filter; the main thing is that it should be efficient.

How do you make a fish tank look natural?

Use taller decorations or plants to obscure aquarium heaters, lift tubes, air lines, and other unattractive necessities of the fish tank. Use fewer varieties of items to make the tank look more natural.

What do African cichlids need to live in an aquarium?

Also, there have to be plenty of caves, driftwood, and other kinds of hiding places. This is because African Cichlids are very territorial, and these things help other fish avoid conflict and aggressive behavior. Things like plants, furniture, and treasure chests are ideal.

Why do cichlids attack each other?

Because Cichlids are very aggressive and territorial, they will attack their tank mates, even when well-suited to live together. This is why it’s important to have spaces and crevices available for all fish to hide, rest, repose, and claim.

What is the best filter for a 75 gallon tank?

It is rated at 350 GPH which can be enough for a decent water circulation of 4.6 times per hour. I recommend this filter if you are not stocking your freshwater 75-gallon fish tank to the fullest and also keep some aquarium plants inside. I use the Cascade 1500 on my heavily planted 75-gallon aquarium that harbors small community fish.