Help needed for a cichlid tank
- Thread starter Cichlid_freak
- Start date
You have tons of options, just not many "big fish". The appeal of the smaller cichlids is in the fact that you can watch them breed and raise their fry without having a massive tank, needing a divider, and you can keep tetras or livebearers with them. I'll give you the genus name, you can google the genus to find the species in that genus. I threw in some dwarf species just so you know they are out there. You could do a pair of any of these fish, more with the smaller species. I typically buy 6-8 individuals and let pairs form naturally, then remove fish as needed.
Archocentrus (multispinosus are one of my favorite fish, the most fecund CA IME)
Cryptoheros
Thorichthys
Andinoacara (Only the smaller species, I typically do not like man made fish, but the Electric Blue Acara is popular now)
Nannacara anomala (Second favorite, females are a force to be reckoned with when guarding fry)
Laetacara
Apistogramma (I would stick with cacatuoides)
Archocentrus (multispinosus are one of my favorite fish, the most fecund CA IME)
Cryptoheros
Thorichthys
Andinoacara (Only the smaller species, I typically do not like man made fish, but the Electric Blue Acara is popular now)
Nannacara anomala (Second favorite, females are a force to be reckoned with when guarding fry)
Laetacara
Apistogramma (I would stick with cacatuoides)
Excellent! These are splendid; I particularly like the Seven-stripe Cichlids and the Rainbow Cichlids. Will these Cichlids require heater in winter? I live in a tropical country (India).
What are your room temperatures in winter?
I can't say enough good things about rainbow cichlids (Archocentrus multispinosus). Hardy, breed easily, and are not overly aggressive when guarding fry. I like to keep them in groups because they have quirky territorial displays and courtships. Here is an excellent article on their husbandry:
http://www.cichlidae.com/article.php?id=50.
The author of the article, Paul Loiselle always provides great insight and a fun read, he has a witty writing style.
I can't say enough good things about rainbow cichlids (Archocentrus multispinosus). Hardy, breed easily, and are not overly aggressive when guarding fry. I like to keep them in groups because they have quirky territorial displays and courtships. Here is an excellent article on their husbandry:
http://www.cichlidae.com/article.php?id=50.
The author of the article, Paul Loiselle always provides great insight and a fun read, he has a witty writing style.
I agree with ahud, and would consider nothing larger at adult size than 5" cichlids for a 50 gal tank.
And you would not need a heater in tropical parts of India.
Here are some of the Archocentrus/Cryptohros I have had, or have at the moment that I believe would work in your tank.
C. myrnae
C. sp Honduran Red Point
C. panamense
A. multispinossa
C.nanoluteus
And you would not need a heater in tropical parts of India.
Here are some of the Archocentrus/Cryptohros I have had, or have at the moment that I believe would work in your tank.
C. myrnae
C. sp Honduran Red Point
C. panamense
A. multispinossa
C.nanoluteus
Yes you're going to need a heater in winter. if your inside temp drops below 80 ever, I'd keep a heater. If it only turns on twice a year then so be it. better safe than sorry. india has a very diverse climate so saying that you're in india doesn't tell me much about your yearly temps. Also different fish have different requirements, so pick your fish first. Might not need a heater, generalized though, it's not gonna hurt. Best of luck in whichever path you choose.
