Meeka cichlazoma is an aquarium fish with a red “tie”. Homeland - fresh water reservoirs of Guatemala and Southern Mexico. The fish is unpretentious and lives well in captivity. Its contents will not cause difficulties for beginner aquarists. This cichlid differs from its relatives not only in coloring, but also in a more peaceful character.
Description
Cichlazoma meek has a spectacular appearance. The body is elongated and flattened, the muzzle is pointed. The color is steel with a silver tint, in the center of the body there are black spots that can merge into an expressive strip. The stomach and gills are scarlet, so the fish is also called the "red-necked".
If the cichloma of the meek feels danger, it tries to scare the enemy by spreading the gills to the sides.
The fish has beautiful mother-of-pearl turquoise fins, resembling a lyre in shape.
These fish are one of the smallest cichlids in size. In the natural habitat, they reach a length of 17 cm, and in the aquarium - 12 cm. They live in captivity for quite a long time - 10-12 years.
Meek cichlazomas are generally friendly, but adult males can be aggressive towards relatives and other fish species, especially during spawning. They occupy a certain area of the aquarium and do not allow anyone into their territory.
Compatibility
In order to avoid conflicts among aquarium settlers, one should take seriously the choice of neighbors for this cichlid. Meeka can get along with the following types of fish:
- scalaria;
- Akaras
- locarium catfish;
- some types of large barbs;
- large swordsmen and mollinies.
When creating a species aquarium, it is important to monitor the behavior of the inhabitants, and in the case of aggression, warring individuals are seated.
Breeders recommend: in order to avoid conflicts, it is necessary to keep the fish full and provide them with enough space. It is also advisable to divide the aquarium with decorative objects into makeshift zones.
Arrangement and maintenance
An aquarium of 50–70 liters is needed for one pair of cichlas meeks, but if it is planned to keep the fish in a flock, then the minimum tank volume should be about 150 liters. Otherwise, the struggle between the males cannot be avoided. The size of individuals with cichlases depends on the size of the aquarium: the larger the capacity, the larger the individuals will be. The aquarium should be closed with a lid, as the fish have the ability to jump out of the water.
There are no special requirements for lighting. Cichlazomas like to be in the bottom area of the aquarium and therefore do not need bright light. Lamp installation is only required if the tank is in a dark place. But it is worth considering that the aquarium with them looks beautiful under fluorescent lamps, and additional light does not hurt the fish.
Cihlazomas love clean, oxygen-enriched water, so the aquarium must be equipped with filtration and aeration systems.
These appliances must be constantly on. Water requirements are as follows:
- temperature - 23–26 ° C;
- acidity - 6.5-7.5 Ph;
- hardness - 17–20 dH.
The bottom of the aquarium is covered with a thick layer of smooth pebbles or coarse sand (8-10 cm). The reservoir is decorated with various grottoes, snags, large stones. And you can also create artificial caves and shelters. Meek cichlazomas love to dig in the ground and pull out plants, so algae is chosen with powerful roots. The following plants are quite suitable for these fish:
- wallisneria - the most unpretentious grass, looks good on the sides and in the background of the aquarium;
- anubias - a plant that can grow up to 1 meter in length;
- cryptocoryne - a beautiful lush bush;
- echinodorus - algae with light green, brown and burgundy leaves.
In the aquarium, water is replaced every week by 25%. After draining the old one, pour the settled clean water into the tank, the temperature of which corresponds to the aquarium. This procedure is required, since cichlomas are very demanding on cleanliness. It is worth noting that in a new aquarium, they are in no hurry to replace the water: they wait 1 month, during which a microclimate comfortable for fish should form.
Feeding
Feeding is carried out 2 times a day. Of the varieties of dry food, it is preferable to give special flakes for cichlids - they contain vitamins and minerals necessary for fish. Meeka cichlazoma is a predator, therefore, live food must be present in its diet:
- pipe maker - a thin worm with a high fat content;
- coretra - mosquito larva, which the fish hunt with pleasure;
- bloodworm - the most popular nutritious food;
- daphnia magna - crustacean with a high protein content;
- earthworm - One of the favorite delicacies of aquarium fish, but since it is high-calorie, often it can not be given.
The menu can be varied and other nutritious foods: slices of beef, fish or squid. Be sure to give plant food, lettuce, dandelion and nettle are suitable. Fish can also be offered cucumber, zucchini, carrots or cabbage leaf. Vegetables and greens should first be scalded with boiling water so as not to introduce infection into the aquarium.
All non-eaten food particles are removed from the aquatic environment, since when they rot, substances harmful to the fish are released.
Breeding
Meeka reaches the sexual maturity by 8–10 months. It is not difficult to distinguish a female from a male: a male is brighter and smaller in size. In addition, the fins of the male are longer and more pointed, and in the female they are rounded.
Tsikhlazoma successfully spawns in a common aquarium, for which individuals independently choose a mate and acquire offspring. If this does not happen, then a separate tank is prepared for the male and female.
In order to stimulate the breeding process, spawning equip, following the following recommendations:
- it is desirable that the water temperature be higher than in the general aquarium, but within 24–26 degrees;
- the rigidity of the medium is reduced by adding a little boiled water;
- constant aeration is required;
- several flat stones are placed in the tank and plants are planted.
Fish should be fed with high-quality live food during this period. If meek cichlomas are comfortable, courtship games begin. The female lays eggs on a flat stone, which the male had previously chosen for her. Parents take care of caviar, fanning it with fins and clearing the space around.
Sometimes the male can behave aggressively, in which case he should be left out - in cichlases cases of eating offspring are not uncommon.
Approximately on the third day, larvae appear, which after 3 days turn into fry. At this point, parents are sent to a common aquarium, and young animals begin to feed. Kids actively swim around the aquarium in search of food. They can be given cyclops or artemia nauplii, and artificial feeds for fry are also suitable. Fishes grow unevenly, so stronger individuals can offend weak ones. To avoid this, young growth is sorted, focusing on size and planting large fry.
Disease
On the whole, meek cichlomas are tenacious, but poor or improper care can cause ailments such as fin rot, fungus, or parasite infection. It is necessary to observe the fish and if it detects suspicious spots, streaks or plaque on the body, quarantine sick individuals. Infections are treated with antibiotics or salt baths. Fishes are immersed in the prepared solution for several hours. If the disease is not started, treatment most often goes well.
The best disease prevention is to ensure good pets.
Fishes cannot be overfed, and in case of overfeeding it is necessary to arrange a fasting day - leave the “glutton” for a day without food. It is necessary to carefully monitor the cleanliness of the aquarium, thin out plants and monitor water performance. Meek's cichlazoma, living in comfortable conditions, will delight its owner with a bright iridescent coloration and active behavior.
In the next video, you will be able to observe the feeding of cichlase meek.
