Electric Blue Cichlid
Common Names: Electric Blue, Electric Blue Ahli, Blue Hap
Scientific Name: Sciaenochromis ahli
Maximum Size: 8 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 80°F
pH Range: 7.8 - 8.5
Temperament: Aggressive and territorial
Origin: Lake Malawi
Aquarium Setup:
The Electric Blue needs plenty of room in which to swim and prefer to be in open water. It is OK to have a few rocks for decoration, just remember that they like a lot of space. Once the Electric Blue gets to be about three inches long it will begin digging up any plants you may have as well as overturning rocks or ornaments.
The best setup for an Electric Blue Cichlid is one or two medium to large rocks on a substrate of medium sized rocks, gravel should not be used. Read more
Betta
Common Names: Betta, Siamese Fighting Fish
Scientific Name: Betta splendens
Maximum Size: 2.5 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 2 gallons
Temperature Range: 70 - 85°F
pH Range: 9 - 7.5
Water Hardness: 5 - 20 dH
Temperament: Peaceful to some, aggressive to others
Lifespan: 2 - 3 years (sometimes longer)
Origin: Thailand
Aquarium Setup:
Bettas are often kept in small bowls, however the smallest tank they should be kept in is two gallons, but they will do much better in larger aquariums. Bettas will jump out of their tanks if they aren’t covered well. Just be sure there is enough space between the lid and the water to allow the Betta to breathe. Read more
Oscar Fish
Common Name: Oscar, Marble Cichlid, Velvet Cichlid
Scientific Name: Astronotus ocellatus
Maximum Size: 14 inches
Temperature Range: 72 - 81 °F
pH Range: 6.0 - 8.0
Temperament: Peaceful
Origin: Amazon River
The Oscar originated in the Amazon River of South America, but today most all Oscars sold are tank bred.
Aquarium Setup:
An Oscar is a big fish and needs a lot of water and space. They also don’t like to be alone so you should consider getting a pair, at the least. A general rule of thumb is 35 gallons per fish, that’s 70 gallons for a pair. Read more
Golden Julie Cichlid
Scientific Name: Julidochromis ornatus
Maximum Size: 3″ inches
Temperature Range: 77 - 79 °F
pH: 8.6
Water Hardness: Very Hard
Temperament: Aggressive and territorial
Origin: Lake Tanganyika
Aquarium Setup:
The Golden Julie is indigenous to Lake Tanganyika and is accustomed to a high sediment rocky habitat. Sand, or a similar material, makes the best substrate, but small gravel may also be used. Read more
Kenyi Cichlid
Scientific Name: Metriaclima lombardoi
Maximum Size: 6 inches
Temperature Range: 78 - 82 °F
pH Range: 7.8 - 8.6
Water Hardness: Very Hard
Temperament: Very Aggressive
Origin: Lake Malawi
Aquarium setup:
Kenyi Cichlids prefer a rocky environment with plenty of caves and places to hide. The best substrate material is sand, but small gravel may also be used. Minimum tanks size - 50 gallons. Read more
