Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Common Names: Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid, Crested Dwarf Cichlid
Scientific Name: Apistogramma cacatuoides
Family: Cichlidae
Maximum Size: 3 - 4 inches
Life expectancy: 5 years
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature Range: 72 - 80°F
pH Range: 6.0 - 7.8
Water hardness: dH 5-18
Temperament: Peaceful
Origin: Amazon River
Aquarium Setup:
To mimic their natural habitat, of the Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid use very small gravel or dark sand for the substrate. Use lots of rocks to make as many caves and crevices as you can so they can have their own territories and have hiding places.
Driftwood is another well liked addition to the tank. Small flower pots can be over turned to provide them with more territories. These small cichlids are very plant friendly, but be sure to leave them plenty of open swimming space. 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
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
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
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
