It often happens that life without a pet is boring and dreary, however, there is simply no way to get a cat or dog. In this case, aquarium fish will be a great option - small pets, the care of which is extremely simple. A real find for aquarists can be considered flamingo cichloma with its unusual habits and predatory disposition.
Description
Flamingo cichlazoma is a fish of pale pink or saturated pink color. It is easy to guess that the name of the fish is directly related to its pink color. The size of cichlazoma, as a rule, does not exceed 15 centimeters. Scientists still argue about the true origin of this fish. There are two main theories for the appearance of this type:
- from the selection form of albino black-band cichloma;
- as a result of a natural mutation.
The majority of scientists refute the first version, since flamingo cichlazoma and black-banded cichlazoma albino noticeably differ from each other. The albino fish has almost snow-white color and red eyes. In addition, the black-striped cichlazoma is several times larger than flamingos. The second version is more believable than the first, because a mutation during the evolutionary process is not uncommon.
Maintenance and care
These fish are considered extremely unpretentious when compared with other brothers. An aquarium from 50 liters with warm water (25-30 degrees) is perfect for flamingos. Its rigidity should be medium (6.5-8 pH). It is very important to ensure 1/3 weekly fluid change. For the bottom of the aquarium, it is recommended to purchase fine gravel or pebbles.
The flamingo cichlazoma loves to dig in the ground, so a coating such as sand can instantly make the water cloudy. Compact shelters and aquarium decorations will be useful, because most of their time fish spend in secluded places. As plants, it is better to choose fast-growing species with strong roots. It is important that they are placed in pots. Great options are:
- cryptocorin;
- hygrophil;
- Wallisneria
As for lighting, it should not be too bright, or, conversely, too dim.
The optimal lighting option favorably affects the reproduction and overall health of the fish. You can feed flamingo cichloma with almost anything - the fish is omnivorous. However, most of its diet should be plant foods. Such products are perfect:
- cereals;
- seaweed;
- cabbage;
- carrot.
As a live feed perfect:
- earthworms;
- pipe maker;
- butterfly;
- shrimp.
To strengthen the health and improve the appearance of fish, it is recommended to give them vitamin supplements.
Compatible with other fish
Despite the fact that flamingos, in comparison with other cichlids, are peace-loving fish, they will have problems with other fish. They will eat smaller ones (for example, guppies or tetras), and they will have clashes with equals (cockerel, goldfish). Nevertheless, there are a lot of fish that can live peacefully with flamingos:
- representatives of the species cichlids;
- Akara
- apistograms;
- plecostumus.
Breeding
Puberty in this species occurs at about 10-11 months after birth. Reproduction itself is carried out in the period from May to September. For stimulation, you can replace water and increase the temperature of the water by a couple of degrees. For successful breeding, it is necessary to select the brightest and most healthy individuals.
It is quite easy to distinguish a female from a male - females are much smaller in size and brighter in color. Also on their sides there are vague spots, and the frontal part is less pronounced than in males. It will be useful to put the selected pair in a separate aquarium.
The onset of spawning can be determined by color gain and more aggressive behavior. Disagreements between fish are becoming more frequent, but the behavior of males in relation to females is noticeably improving. Next, future parents choose a place where the female will lay her eggs. No fish are allowed into the selected area, and the offspring are monitored very carefully.
Literally after 3-4 days, the first fry, independent from birth, appear from the eggs. Particular attention should be paid to their nutrition. Fry can be fed the following foods:
- ciliates;
- microworms;
- special liquid feed;
- cooked and finely ground yolk.
The fry grow quite quickly. Literally after 3-4 weeks they can be safely transferred to food for adults.
Often parents perceive their own fry for food. To prevent this from happening, young individuals must be transferred from adults to another aquarium with a volume of at least 30 liters.
Due to the fact that the origin of the fish is still unknown, in no case should it be crossed with other species. Such manipulations can lead to extremely negative consequences.
Diseases
Like other fish, flamingos are prone to diseases such as:
- Argulosis
- asphyxia;
- anoxia;
- obesity;
- genital cyst;
- common cold.
In addition to the basic universal for all types of diseases, flamingos are prone to hexamitosis. This disease is often called hole disease, it is directly related to the quality of the liquid and feed. You can determine the disease by the characteristic external damage. Treatment should be with metronidazole and other prescribed drugs.
In general, caring for flamingo cichlazoma is extremely simple and even exciting. However, even here one cannot do without possible difficulties - diseases or skirmishes of fish with neighbors in the aquarium. It is important to prevent all possible problems, and then the fish can decorate the aquarium for a very long time.
All about flamingo fish, see the next video.
