Cichlids are probably the most popular group of aquarium fish kept today. But cichlids are diverse; they come from a massive range of habitats, from shallow acidic streams in the Amazon jungle, to the deepest lakes in Africa. There are huge variations in their size, temperament, behavioural patterens and consequently the conditions required to keep them.
DISTRIBUTION: Most hail from Africa, Southern and Central America, and a few from Asia. In general, cichlids may be split into several main groupings, those from the great lakes of Africa (Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria), Other African Cichlids, South American Cichlids (these include angelfish and discus) and those from Central America.
RECOMMENDED STARTER SPECIES: Nannacara anomala (Golden dwarf acara), Pelvicachromis pulcher (Kribensis), Pterophyllum scalare (Angelfish)
Well planted aquariums are not only great looking, they are also very beneficial to the fish. They oxygenate the water, absorb nitrates, reduce algae and provide refuge for fry (and other timid species). Plants like Java fern, hornwort, Amazon sword, Vallisneria (eel grass), Cryptocoryne and Anubias can all do well in a typical home aquarium with the smallest amount of attention
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