Cichlids are found in regions of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America, and range in colors, size and temperament. There is literally a cichlid species for everyone.
Cichlids are prolific breeders and are notorious for destroying plants and ornaments while preparing a spawning site. Thermometers and heating systems are fair game as well if they happen to occupy a space that strikes your cichlids fancy. Once your fish has defined his territory, be prepared to defend yourself if you intrude onto his property. Trespassers be warned, cichlids don't take kindly to interlopers, and aren't afraid to let you know.
In addition to the cichlids sometimes aggressive nature, they are also enthusiastic diners.
Flakes, pellets or frozen foods from your pet store are a good source for the cichlid's regular diet; however, fresh vegetables and live food are required for many species to maintain a healthy diet. Live food can prove irresistible to most species of cichlids. In fact, this fish has been known to attempt swallowing fish only slightly smaller than themselves. This can be a hostile environment for other fish living with your cichlid. Be sure to determine the proper diet for your particular species of cichlids.
Finding a Roommate for Your Cichlid
No matter what tips you follow, paring up your cichlid with a new roomie, can be a risky endeavor. Fish, not unlike people, can be particular about who they feel they can live with. There are guidelines that can help determine possible candidates for cohabitation with your cichlid, but there are no guarantees this union will be a happy one. To ease tensions between your fish, try and stock your tank with fish of similar sizes. Larger fish can quickly become evil dictators and cause harm to the others.
Another effective tip for introducing a new fish into an already occupied aquarium is to clean your tank and rearrange the furnishings before releasing your new tenant. This simple change in décor will eliminate your cichlids claim of sole ownership, and provide your new guy an opportunity to obtain space of his own.
If you've made it this far without injuries, you need only to keep check to make sure things are going well. For the next several days following the transition, look carefully for injuries to the fish. Notice also if both fish are eagerly accepting food. Reluctance on the part of one fish can indicate bullying on the part of the other. You can attempt to rearrange again or remove the dominate fish from the aquarium for an hour or so. This may give your more docile fish the confidence to demand equality.
