Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid
Common Names: Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid, Cobalt Blue Cichlid
Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus Zebra
Family: Cichlidae
Maximum Size: 5-6 inches
Life expectancy: 10 years
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F
pH Range: 8.0 - 9.0
Water hardness: 10 - 18
Temperament: Aggressive
Origin: Lake Malawi
Aquarium Setup:
The Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid loves sandy substrates for digging and burrowing. Laterite based substrates work really well as they will also help in maintaining the required alkalinity.
They need caves and rock structures to have places to claim as their own territories. But, they are very active swimmers so make sure to leave them plenty of open room.
You should also include lots of small smooth gravel if you plan on breeding them. They will pick up the gravel and move it to a chosen spot to build their nest. Read more
Demasoni Cichlid
Common Names: Demasoni Cichlid, Midnight Demasoni
Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus demasoni
Family: Cichlidae
Maximum Size: 3 inches
Life expectancy: 8 years
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 72-82°F
pH Range: 8.0-9.0
Water hardness: dH 10.0 - 18.0
Temperament: Aggressive
Origin: Lake Malawi
Aquarium Setup:
Communities of a dozen or more fish are recommended to keep aggression at a minimum, so the Demasoni Cichlid needs a really large aquarium! There should be lots of free space for swimming, but also some rock formations to provide hiding places.
To help keep the pH at the required level sand or crushed coral intended for salt water tanks can be used. But, gravel is also an acceptable substrate.
Demasoni’s are very curious fish, providing lots of caves and crevasses will give them places to explore. It will also provide them with places to claim their own territories. Read more
Moorii Cichlid
Common Names: Moorii Cichlid, Dolphin Cichlid, Hump-Head Cichlid
Scientific Name: Cyrtocara Moorii
Maximum Size: 9 inches
Life expectancy: 12 years
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 82°F
pH Range: 7.8 - 8.5
Water hardness: dH 10 - 15
Temperament: Peaceful
Origin: Lake Malawi
Aquarium Setup:
Moorii Cichilds should have a sandy substrate to burrow in. Several rocks and caves should also be provided to give these timid fish a place to hide when they feel threatened.
Care should be taken when choosing rocks or tank accessories, avoid anything with sharp protruding edges. While they don’t eat plants, they will often uproot them.
Due to their large size, Dolphin’s need lots of open space for swimming. Water conditions aren’t crucial for survival, but for breeding the requirements should be maintained. Read more
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 Peacock Cichlid
Common Names: Blue Peacock Cichlid, African Peacock, Peacock Cichlid, Blue Cichlid
Scientific Name: Aulonocara
Maximum Size: 6 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 80°F
pH Range: 7.4 - 8.6
Water hardness: 10 - 15
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Origin: Lake Malawi, East Africa
Aquarium Setup:
These cichlids need a lot of open space for swimming. Tank decorations should be placed to allow adequate room at both the bottom and middle sections of the tank. The freshwater tank should include a sandy bottom, some rocks and plants. Read more
