Nicaraguan cichlazoma - care and maintenance in the aquarium

Another type of cichlase called Nicaraguan. The fish is distinguished by unusual external data and color; it is usually kept in species aquariums for greater effect. Females are saturated, beautiful, males are more dull. However, this fact does not prevent professional aquarists and beginners in this field from keeping couples in Nicaraguan cichlase. They successfully reproduce, do not require scrupulous care and special refinements in content. In order not to be unfounded, let's analyze the important aspects in order.

Origin

In 1864, Gunther described this type of cichlid as unusual and interesting in behavior. Fish prefer to live near the Atlantic slope, located in Central America.

Representatives of this family can be found in lakes, slowly flowing rivers and drainage. In crossing, Nicaraguan cichlazoma is combined with black stripe. Up to the fourth generation, offspring will be fertile.

Adults by their nature feed on mollusks, small invertebrates, seeds and foliage. Fry prefer to eat aquatic insects.

Description

Chunky fish, neatly folded. The head is curved, the frontal region is medium pronounced. The mouth is clearly visible, the lips are dense and developed, the fish likes to dig soil. A representative of Central American cichlids in the natural environment grows up to 25 cm. Moreover, the life expectancy is an average of 13 years.

The case is neatly folded, massive, copper in color with a golden tint. The head is a bluish-green in shade. In the central part of the case there is a speck of dark tone. A line runs through the body. The fins have dark spots, and on the tail there is a fringing of reddish pigment.

There are not only basic coloring, fish can be of different colors. It all depends on living conditions, feeding, as well as age and gender. The females are bright, the males are more dull. In nature, individuals are also endowed with more color than their aquarium counterparts.

If you are interested in how difficult it is to keep these fish, then the answer is easy. Large peaceful cichlomas get along with representatives of this family and catfish. The main thing is to provide the fish with a spacious dwelling, keep the aquarium clean, feed the pets properly and be attentive to the neighborhood.

Feeding

These representatives of cichlids are omnivorous. In their habitat, they eat mainly food of plant origin. We are talking about foliage, algae, vegetation, detritus, mollusks and various types of invertebrate creatures.

For keeping in an aquarium, you need to choose food for cichlids, as well as feed your pets frozen, lively, dry food.

As a supplement, cichlases are fed with bloodworms, mollusks, worms, tubule makers, and shrimp. From vegetables they are treated with cucumbers, zucchini, salad leaves, spirulina.

Meat products are given in a limited way because they cause esophageal upsets. If you want to treat fish to such food, do it no more than once every 2 weeks.

Content

1. If you intend to contain a pair of cichlases considered, the aquarium should be at least 300 liters. Consider, the larger the capacity, the better it will be for everyone. Especially if you are going to get other types of fish.
2. Such cichlomas are very fond of clean water and underwater current. To achieve this, you have to fork out for a water pump and a powerful cleaning filter.The problem is that after feeding fish a large amount of waste remains.
3. The bottom of the aquarium is recommended to siphon without fail once a week. A quarter of the water should be replaced with the same frequency. Keep in mind that the situation in the aquarium should be as close as possible to wild conditions.
4. Soil should be made of sand. In addition, stones and driftwood should be placed in the aquarium. Build all kinds of shelters for fish. Considered cichlomas are very fond of digging in the sand. That is why you should not plant all kinds of algae.
5. Alternatively, plants can be grown in separate containers. Separately, it is worth mentioning that the fish will constantly eat young algae leaves. Cichlids will be especially active during spawning.

Compatibility

1. This type of cichlid practically does not differ from its relatives. Nicaraguan cichlazoma is the same territorial. Therefore, it will attack anyone who approaches its place or nest. In this case, she is particularly aggressive.
2. Such individuals are recommended to be kept only with other cichlids. They get along well with salvini, meek, bee and black-striped. Nicaraguan cichlomas are used to staying in pairs. Therefore, it is recommended to take an even number of pairs, so that they independently decide who will be with whom.

How to distinguish a female from a male

1. In order to distinguish a female from a male, representatives of this species will have to work hard. The task is not easy. The male is distinguished by larger sizes and a pointed fin on the back. He also has a fat cone on his forehead.
2. But do not forget about the fact that the lump swells only during the mating season. The female can be distinguished by its bright color and smaller size.

Breeding

1. Such cichlomas can spawn without problems in an aquarium. Females throw eggs in previously dug holes. Such fish need a lot of shelters and caves. Caviar of such individuals is not sticky, so they do not throw it on a flat surface.
2. The female begins to spawn at a water temperature of 26 degrees. After only 3 days, the fry begin to be born. After another 5 days, the young growth begins to swim. From this moment, fry can be fed.

Nicaraguan cichlazomas are quite aggressive fish. Therefore, it is better to contain them with other cichlids. Take care of the right conditions. Create a favorable atmosphere in the aquarium.

Video: Nicaraguan cichlasoma (Cichlasoma nicaraguense)