Cichlazoma bee: description, care and breeding

Fans of domestic ponds prefer to plant exotic pets in their aquariums, which is why one of the most popular was a fish called a cichlazoma bee. In science, it is also known as biocellatum and eight-lane cichloma. These representatives of the cichlid genus have been popular for over 100 years., but continue to occupy a stable leading position among all aquarium inhabitants.

The popularity of cichlase explained very simply:

• exotic coloring;
• unusual behavior;
• small sizes;
• simplicity in leaving.

In the natural environment, these fish inhabit standing muddy ponds of North and Central America, southern Mexico, and you can also find representatives of this species in Guatemala, Thailand and Belize. The bee was first brought to the countries of the Old World in 1904, and the reservoirs of the former Soviet Union were artificially settled by this fish in 1958.

Foma of cichloma body is typical for all cichlids - elongated with an overestimated frontal part and flattened on the sides. Anal and dorsal fins end at pointed ends. In the natural environment, the fish size reaches 18-22 cm, the inhabitants of the aquariums are much smaller - their dimensions do not exceed 12 cm.

The color of the scales varies from all kinds of shades of blue to black, and often each flake is colored in an individual tone - blue, greenish, burgundy, gold or sand. The shape of the scales resembles dew drops. In the fry, several dark stripes are located on the trunk, which disappear as the fish grow and mature.

Like all other cichlids, a bee is a predator cichlazoma - this pet will not tolerate too nimble small fish, but simply eat them. Compatibility with big fish is not the best - relations between fish do not add up, as bees have to constantly fight and defend their territory. Some novice aquarists are afraid to start such a fish because of its aggressiveness., although in fairness it should be noted that cichlazoma is no worse than any other representative of cichlids. Moreover, there is even an opinion among experienced breeders that this is the “most shy” cichlid.

A cichlazoma requires space, so she needs a large aquarium. The fact is that each representative of this fish species will persistently mark its territory and protect it, so for the female and the male you will need a reservoir of at least 100 liters.

The optimal soil for cichlases is river sand mixed with finely polished gravel. It is imperative that the pebbles do not have sharp edges, as bees like to dig into them and can damage their mouths. It will be useful to add several large stones in the form of a grotto to the bottom of the aquarium, and also place a couple of clay shards so that the fish can arrange a house for itself.

Tsikhlazoma is extremely sensitive to water parameters and its quality.

The optimal conditions for the aquatic environment for them are:

• temperature - +24.26 degrees Celsius;
• stiffness - 10-16 dH;
• acidity - at the level of 6.5-7 pH

Water must be clean, filtered or settled. The presence of nitrates significantly reduces the life of the bees, it is optimal that the presence of hazardous impurities is zero, their maximum permissible content is 40 mg / l, especially harmful for ammonia cichlids.

It is very important to choose the right plants for cichlids - bees are very fond of tearing out indigenous plantations, therefore, the choice is best made in favor of the following options:

• plants with developed and strong roots;
• fast-rooted aquatic crops;
• rootless plants that can swim in the thick of water or on the surface;
• potted options.

Best to purchase:

• cryptocoryne;
• spiral wallisneria;
• riccia;
• Amazonian Echinodorus.

The aquarium for cichlids must be equipped with devices for filtering water and aeration, otherwise you will have to change the water in full every day.

As for lighting, cichlomas respond well to subdued light, necessarily diffused. It is best to use fluorescent lamps, preferably medium power.

It may seem to beginners that keeping a bee is rather difficult, although for experienced aquarists the creation and maintenance of a comfortable environment for cichlids is not difficult. Let us dwell on the main points.

As we already mentioned, the bee is a predatory fish, so its diet should consist of live food, If possible, offer your pet:

• bloodworm;
• ground shrimp;
• small fodder fish;
• crushed seafood;
• pipe maker;
• green leaves of nettle, as well as lettuce, dandelion and other vegetable top dressings;
• some oatmeal.

Breeding with cichlases is a complex matter. If several pairs live in one tank at once, then they will have to be placed in different containers - spawning grounds.

It is quite easy to distinguish a female from a male - in males the anal and caudal fins are slightly pointed and have a colored border, in females they are rather rounded. In addition, males are slightly larger than females, they have pronounced dark spots on the sides, and in females specks are located in the tail and near the gills.

For spawning, the bee chooses the most secluded place among the aquarium vegetation, and then carefully cleans it. Usually, a large flat stone or a clay pot lying on its side becomes a substrate for caviar. In the course of spawning, eggs are swept onto the substrate, which is incubated for one and a half days, and even two or three days later fry appear. Cichlids diligently care for young animals - in general, parental individuals take care of their offspring within two months.

The first days of the fry are fed a secret, which is secreted by the cutaneous glands of adults. Despite this, fish should be fed from the first days - it is best to use crustacean nauplii and offer them about 5 times a day, gradually expand the diet, and growing cichlids are fed with larger feeds.

In general, bees have a fairly strong immunity, so they are not susceptible to most diseases that often affect other aquarium inhabitants. However, with improper care, they may develop some problems.

• Ichthyophthyroidism - appears at too low water temperatures. It manifests itself in contraction of the fins, the appearance of a white rash and itching of the pet. Antibiotics are used for effective treatment, and, of course, they raise the temperature of the water.
• Oxygen starvation - occurs with insufficient aeration in the aquarium. At the same time, the fish becomes sluggish, constantly opens their mouths and swims to the surface of the water, trying to breathe air there. Usually, in this case, hydrogen peroxide or special oxygen tablets help, but the effectiveness of the measures will be zero if you do not install a system to saturate the water with oxygen.

See more about the features of these fish in the next video.