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
Frontosa African Cichlid
Scientific Name: Cyphotilapia frontosa
Maximum Size: 15 inches
Life expectancy: 15 years
Minimum Tank Size: 70 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 82 °F
pH Range: 7.8 - 8.5
Water hardness: dH 10 - 15
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Origin: Lake Tanganyika
Aquarium Setup:
Because of their large size Frontosa’s need at least a 70 - 100 gallon tank. Tank length is more important than the height, as it will give them more swimming space.
Substrate can be either fine gravel or sand and several caves should be added for hiding places. Never use rocks with sharp edges, when scared Frontosa’s will dart through the water and they will injure themselves on sharp edges. 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
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
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
