Electric Yellow Lab Cichlid
Common Names: Yellow Lab, electric yellow lab, Canary Cichlid, Lemon Drop
Scientific Name: Labidochromis caeruleus
Maximum Size: 5 inches
Life expectancy: 10 years
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 82 °F
pH Range: 7.8 - 8.5
Water hardness: dH 10 - 15
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Origin: Lake Malawi
Aquarium Setup:
Yellow labs will claim their own territories and fight to protect it. Longer tanks are more suitable than tall ones, as this will provide more space for territories.
Having a lot of rock formations and caves in the tank so each fish can claim their own area will help in preventing fights. It will also provide hiding places for fish that feel threatened.
The aquarium should have a sandy bottom as these Cichlids love to dig. They will also dig up plants and eat most types of live plants that you add to the tank. Water quality is very important to keep this species healthy, it should be kept clean and clear. Read more
Blue Ram Cichlid
Common Names: Blue Ram, Dwarf Ram, Butterfly Cichlid
Scientific Name: Mikrogeophagus Ramirezi
Maximum Size: 3 inches
Life expectancy: 3 years
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 79°F
pH Range: 5.0 - 7.0
Water hardness: Soft
Temperament: Semi Peaceful
Origin: South America
Aquarium Setup:
Open aquarium space is needed for these active swimmers. Plants should be arranged in dense groups instead of spread out over the tank bottom.
Blue Rams love caves where they can hide, any hollow tank decoration of the correct size will work fine. Rams will spawn on top of stones, so add several especially if you’re planning on breeding them. Read more
Brichardi Cichlid
Common Names: Fairy Cichlid Brichardi, Lyretail Cichlid
Scientific Name: Neolamprologus brichardi
Maximum Size: 6 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 77°F
pH Range: 8.0 - 9.0
Water hardness: dH 9 - 19
Temperament: Peaceful to Aggressive depending upon tank mates
Origin: Lake Tanganyika
Aquarium Setup:
The Brichardi Cichlid likes an aquarium with a lot of decorations, especially those that provide cave like hiding places, where each fish can stake out a territory. In the wilds of Lake Tanganyika the Brichardi inhabits small caves near the shoreline along a rocky bottom. You should also provide plenty of open water space for swimming as they like to move around a lot. Keep this in mind when you arrange your aquarium.
Brichardi Cichlids have a tendency to dig so be sure that larger rocks are well anchored or they may overturn them and harm themselves. Any plants should also be firmly anchored or this fish will uproot them. Read more
Guppy
Common Names: Fancy Tail Guppy, Rainbow fish, Millions fish
Scientific Name: Poecilia reticulata
Maximum Size: 2.5 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons
Temperature Range: 66 - 84°F
pH Range: 7 - 8.5
Water hardness: Moderate - Hard
Temperament: Peaceful
Origin: Central America
Aquarium Setup:
Since guppies require moderate to hard water, one tablespoon of salt for each five gallons of water should be added if you have very soft water.
Guppies prefer dark graveled tank bottoms and lots of leafy plants are needed to protect the young from being eaten. A female may also retreat to the plants when it’s time to give birth. Read more
Tiger Barb
Common Names: Tiger Barb, Sumatra Barb
Scientific Name: Puntius tetrazona
Maximum Size: 3 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature Range: 68 - 78 °F
pH Range: 6.5 - 7.5
Water hardness: Soft - Medium
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Origin: South-East Asia
Aquarium Setup:
Tiger Barbs are able to handle a variety of water conditions, although they do better in soft water. Since they’re a very active fish, wide open areas are needed for swimming. Barbs can even survive in unheated tanks, so monitoring temperatures isn’t crucial. Lots of plants, a fine substrate and adequate lighting is also important. Read more
