red-bellied cichlid

The red-bellied cichlid, scientific name Cribroheros longimanus, belongs to the family Cichlidae (Cichlids). The fish is native to Central America. Found over a wide area from Guatemala to Costa Rica. It lives in various biotopes, but mainly in lakes and in sections of rivers with stagnant water or a weak current.

Description

Adults reach a length of about 13 cm. The fish has a high stocky body with a large head. The color is light silvery with a blue or yellow tint. Sometimes blue colors may predominate. The pattern consists of dark vertical stripes and large black spots running along the body. The scales have many bright specks. A characteristic feature is the reddish abdomen of males, the color of which intensifies during the spawning period.

Behavior and Compatibility

Territorial fish aggressive to relatives. First of all, such behavior is typical for males, which occupy a certain area at the bottom and fiercely protect it from competitors.

At a young age they live in large groups. Behavior begins to change as you get older. In the same period, pairs are formed from a male and a female. Partners remain faithful to each other for a long time, often for life.

The red-bellied cichlid is more tolerant of representatives of other species, with the exception of the period of reproduction and protection of offspring.

To avoid conflicts, fish that live in the water column or near the surface should be purchased, and other cichlids from Central America and bottom fish such as catfish should be avoided.

Brief information:

• The volume of the aquarium – from 500 liters.
• Temperature – 23-33°C
• Value pH — 7.0–8.0
• Water hardness – 5–20 dGH
• Substrate type – sandy
• Lighting – moderate
• Brackish water – no
• Water movement – weak, moderate
• The size of the fish is about 13 cm.
• Nutrition – foods rich in protein
• Temperament – inhospitable
• Paired male and female

Maintenance and care, arrangement of the aquarium

Optimal aquarium sizes for one pair of Red-bellied cichlids and several neighboring species start at 500 liters. Fish like to dig in the ground in search of food, which imposes restrictions on the choice of design. It is recommended to use soft sandy soil and, if possible, to avoid rooting plants that can be uprooted.

It is permissible to place snags, large boulders, stones and other natural decoration elements at the bottom. For landscaping an aquarium, mosses and ferns that can grow on such surfaces can be placed on stones and driftwood.

Fish prefer water of medium hardness with pH values ​​in the region of neutral values. For long-term keeping, it is important to provide clean water and avoid excessive accumulation of organic waste.

Food

In nature, it feeds on small aquatic insects and other invertebrates, which it finds at the bottom, digging up the soil. In the aquarium, sinking foods rich in protein should be fed. For example, fresh, freeze-dried or frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, etc.

Sources: fishbase.se, fishipedia.fr