American Cichlids: Checklist
American Cichlids: Checklist
American Cichlids: Checklist
Before purchase make sure that: animals or plants into the wild
Never release an animal or plant bought for a home
1 You have the appropriate equipment and position for aquarium into the wild. It is illegal and for most fish species
American
the aquarium. this will lead to an untimely and possibly lingering death
because they are not native to this country. Any animals or
2 You have researched all the species you are interested plants that do survive might be harmful to the environment.
in and your final choices are all compatible.
Potential problems
advisable that these plants are artificial as they will be dug up and
This group of fish are fairly robust and do well in an damaged easily. The Angelfish require a taller tank due to body
appropriate aquarium water. In the wild they thrive in slightly shape and it is advised that it is planted.
soft acidic water but can acclimatise to different water in time: A water quality problem will affect fish behaviour and can be
Temperature: 22 to 28°C shown by clamped fins, reduced feeding, erratic swimming and
The aquarium will also require lighting and heating. Be careful
pH: 6.0 to 8.0 gasping at the surface. Immediately test the water if any of these
where the heater is situated as some of these more aggressive fish
Ammonia: 0mg/l (0.02mg/l may be tolerated for short periods) symptoms are shown. If in doubt ask your OATA retailer
can break it if they swim into it.
Nitrite: 0mg/l (0.2mg/l) may be tolerated for short periods) for advice.
Hardness: Soft to hard (0 to 20°dH) Filtration should be effective, these fish get large and like other
cichlids are messy and will quickly pollute tank water with faeces Compatibility
Biology and waste.
It is normal for cichlid species to be very aggressive. This is
Maintenance
These fish get relatively large in size. The common aquarium true for the Oscars, Firemouth, Jack Dempsey, Parrot and
sizes are listed below: Convicts. For these fish it is suggested they are kept alone or
with other robust aggressive cichlids. There needs to be plenty
At least once every two weeks a partial water change of 25 to 30%
Oscars: 25 to 45cm. Parrots: 15 to 20cm. Convicts: 10 to of space because these fish are territorial. They can be kept with
is strongly recommended (a siphon device is useful to remove waste
15cm. Severum: 15 to 20cm. Firemouth: 15 to 20cm. Jack large bottom feeding fish such as Synodontis catfish and plecos.
from the gravel). The water should be tested regularly to ensure
Dempsey: 10 to 25cm. Angelfish: 7.5 to 15cm. that pollutants such as ammonia and nitrites don’t build up. Ensure
The remaining two fish, Angels and Severums, are not as
you either allow the replacement water to stand or aerate it to
These fish can all (except the parrot cichlid) be found aggressive. Severums can be kept with other medium-large
remove any chlorine present. Ideally treat all replacement water
inhabiting American river systems, including the Amazon. peaceful fish. The Angelfish is a good addition to a community
with tap water conditioner before adding to the aquarium.
tank and can be housed with small fish if bought as a juvenile.
The parrot cichlid is not a true species. Instead, it is believed to
Breeding
Filters should be checked for clogging and blockages. If the filter
be a hybrid between two or more Central American cichlids, needs cleaning then do not run it under the tap as any chlorine
although the exact ancestry of this species is unclear. Being a present may kill the beneficial bacterial population that has
hybrid, this fish does not possess a scientific name. established in the media. Instead, it can be rinsed in the tank water The majority of these fish can be successfully bred in the home
which is removed during a partial water change as this reduces the aquarium except for the Parrots, due to them being a hybrid
In good water quality and without ailments these fish can live amount of bacteria which are lost. species and many hybrid species are infertile.
for many years. They grow quickly and will reach maturity
within a short time frame. Good husbandry is essential as these fish can be stressed by even They are all egg layers and will be seen cleaning a flat surface
the smallest amounts of ammonia and nitrite. Test the water to prior to breeding. Once the eggs are laid the parents will protect
Sexing: Parrots: unknown. Convict: adult males are larger with monitor the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels every week, their fry either in a small school, or in the case of the Jack
longer fins and develop a fatty lump on the forehead. especially during initial set-up and after adding extra fish. Dempsey, their fry will be placed into pre-dug pits in the
Jack Dempsey: males have pointed dorsal and anal fins. substrate. The Severum use bi-parental mouth brooding,
Firemouth: adult males are larger and more brightly coloured. meaning both the male and female carry the young.
Severum: Males have pointed fins. Oscar: no obvious
difference. Angelfish: adult males usually larger.