African Butterflyfish
Common Names: African Butterflyfish, Butterfly
Scientific Name: Pantodon buchholzi
Family: Pantodontidae
Maximum Size: 4 inches
Life expectancy: 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 75 - 86 °F
pH Range: 6.9 - 7.1
Water hardness: 1 - 10
Temperament: Aggressive
Origin: Africa
Aquarium Setup:
The African Butterfly likes densely planted tanks with a few plants that will extend almost to the top of the surface. Just a few floating plants for cover is preferred as long as there is still lots open swimming space.
They prefer shallow aquariums at about 6 to 8 inches deep, but have thrived well in regular tanks. Tanks that are longer instead of tall give them more surface space to enjoy! Read more
Boesemani Rainbow Cichlid
Common Names: Boesemani Rainbow, Rainbow Cichlid
Scientific Name: Melanotaenia boesemani
Family: Melanotaeniidae
Maximum Size: 5 inches
Life expectancy: 6+ years
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 77°F
pH Range: 6.5 - 7.2
Water hardness: dH 5-10
Temperament: Peaceful
Origin: Asia, Australia
Aquarium Setup:
The ideal tank for the Boesemani Rainbow Cichlid will be wider than it is tall as these fish like to swim horizontally. They won’t disturb plants so add plenty of plants leaving them open spaces in the middle and front of the tank for swimming. Moss should also be added for spawning.
The substrate can be gravel or any other material you choose. But, it’s thought that a dark colored substrate will help develop their vibrant colors. Read more
Firemouth Cichlid
Common Names: Firemouth Cichlid, Firemouth
Scientific Name: Thorichthys Meeki
Family: Cichlid
Maximum Size: 6 inches
Life expectancy: 10 - 15 years
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 70 - 80°F
pH Range: 6.7 - 7.3
Water hardness: dH 10
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Origin: Yucatan, Guatemala
Aquarium Setup:
Firemouth Cichlids like to burrow so a substrate that is very fine, such as sand works best. Hardy plants can be used in the tank, but they should be in pots to protect the roots as Firemouths like to uproot them.
You should also provide them with lots of hiding places with rocks or wood. Make sure there aren’t any sharp edges on any of the tank decorations. Firemouths will dart through the water when they get scared and can injure themselves on sharp rocks. Read more
Jaguar Cichlid
Common Names: Jaguar Cichlid, Jag, Mang, Aztec Cichlid
Scientific Name: Nandopsis managuensis
Maximum Size: 10 - 16 inches
Life expectancy: 15 years
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons for one pair
Temperature Range: 77 - 97°F
pH Range: 6.5 - 7.5
Water hardness: dH 10 - 15
Temperament: Aggressive
Origin: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, Lake Managua
Aquarium Setup:
Jaguar Cichlids will rip plants apart and even uproot plastic plants. If you use any plants in the tank you will need to glue gravel to the base to keep them from floating to the top. They also prefer low lighting to a brightly lit tank.
Lot’s of rocks and caves will give them places to hide and sleep. If they don’t have the proper places, they will dig really large pits in the substrate. This can also help prevent them from digging up the plants as bad. Read more
Black Lace Angel Fish
Common Names: Angelfish, Black Angel, Lace Angel
Scientific Name: Pterophyllum Scalare
Maximum Size: 6 - 8 inches in length; 12 inches in height
Life expectancy: 10 years
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Temperature Range: 75 - 82°F
pH Range: 5.8 - 7.0
Water hardness: dH 1 - 5
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Origin: South America
Aquarium Setup:
Black Lace Angel Fish need large tanks due to their sizes and fin spans, but the tank should also be tall. Angel’s like to swim up and down, but they can reach as much as ten inches in height with their long fins. They love well planted aquariums and lot’s of plants will also help in keeping the water clean, adding oxygen and preventing the growth of algae.
Broad leaf plants such as Sword plants should be used to give Angel’s lots of choices for laying their eggs. Rocks and driftwood can also be used, just make sure you allow plenty of swimming space. Read more
