A large aquarium with beautiful fish will decorate any home. Varieties of decorative individuals are striking in their diversity. One of the most underrated resident of the depths is Nicaraguan cichlazoma. This is an amazing fish with an unusual body shape and color, has a livable disposition and excellent adaptability.
Description
Nicaraguan cichlazoma belongs to the cichlid family. Her first description appeared in 1864. Amazing fish lived in the waters of Central America (Lake Nicaragua). Among cichlids, this species is the brightest and most spectacular. However, among breeders, its popularity is minimal. The thing is that Nicaraguan cichlazoma fry look inconspicuous and faded. Amazing coloring appears over time.
The body of an adult fish has a spectacular golden hue with diamond highlights that “play” with all the colors of the rainbow. The abdomen is a scarlet hue, and the head and gills are painted in a deep blue color. There are also other color options, however this one is the most common for artificially grown fish.
The characteristic features of Nicaraguan cichlazoma include large sizes. Males reach a length of 25 cm. “Girls” are 7-10 cm less. The body is compact and slightly flattened. The head has a bizarre bend. This cichlid has massive lips and bulging eyes. “Boys” are larger than females and have a less contrasting color. In addition, males have wide fins, and in most cases there is a fat growth on the forehead. During spawning, the female’s abdomen is decorated with orange shimmering blots.
Cichlazomas are monogamous.They choose a mate for life. Puberty in these cichlids occurs between 8 and 11 months.
Maintenance and care
Experts say that Nicaraguan cichlazoma is an unpretentious and accommodating inhabitant of artificial reservoirs, unlike other cichlids. However, some rules for keeping these fish still exist. Pay attention to the following recommendations:
- the volume of the aquarium is at least 300 liters, the calculation is 100-150 liters per individual, in a small cramped space the fish begin to be aggressive;
- water temperature - 26-30 degrees;
- stiffness - 8–20;
- acidity - not more than 7.5;
- regular filtration and powerful aeration;
- weekly change of up to 30 liters of fresh water;
- moderate lighting, with a lack of light, cichlasomas darken, and with excessive light, on the contrary, fade.
This variety of cichlids does not tolerate contaminated water, so care for the aquarium should be regular and of high quality. Having a caring owner, an amazing fish can survive up to 13-15 years.
For a comfortable cichlase maintenance, their love for “landscape design” should be taken into account. Large fish act as "builders" and often change the situation in an artificial reservoir by digging minks. Sand is not the best filler, as the fish will raise dust. Small pebbles are perfect for an aquarium with Nicaraguan cichlazomas. And massive stones will become the material for creating numerous shelters.
As for plants, then they must be placed in the aquarium exclusively in pots, otherwise the fish will begin to dig around the green spaces and damage their roots. As a result, plants face imminent death.
Feeding
Tsikhlazoma is known for its omnivore. Under natural conditions, the fish absorbs plant foods (algae, leaves, snails and other invertebrates). For "aquarium life" all types of feed are suitable, especially live ones. Artemia, bloodworms, shrimp and worms are given cichlids as additional food. In addition, colorful fish are happy to enjoy vegetables (fresh cucumbers, lettuce or zucchini).
Meat products should be given in a minimal amount. Such foods are poorly digested and lead to obesity.
Compatibility and breeding
This fish is characterized by increased aggressiveness and is desperately fighting for its own territory. Therefore, it must be kept with other peace-loving cichlids.
Cichlazomas lead a paired lifestyle. Experts advise placing at least 5-7 individuals of the same age in one aquarium. This will reduce the number of conflict situations. Note that this variety of aquarium fish is strictly forbidden to keep with small relatives. The former have natural hunting instincts and will perceive the "kids" as prey.
Colorful fish breed well in an artificial pond. Ready for spawning couples resettled in another aquarium. A small vessel (at least 60 liters) is suitable as such a “home”. Fine gravel is placed at the bottom so that the female can create a nest.
During this period, it is important to monitor the water parameters. Its temperature should not fall below +24 degrees Celsius. The female lays eggs. It is quite large and transparent. Fry is born after 2-3 days and instantly set off to explore the world. For them, "live dust", fine daphnia or crushed egg yolk is suitable.
Important nuance: Nicaraguan cichlazoma has a pronounced parental instinct. "Moms" look after their offspring, and the "fathers" zealously protect the "kids" from the attacks of their neighbors.
A temporary aquarium in which fry first inhabit, must be kept clean by regularly changing water. When the “kids” turn one month old, they can be safely sent to the “common” artificial pond.
See even more about the features of these fish in the next video.
