Cichlid Care Guide

AVERAGE ADULT SIZE

 3-10 inches long depending on species 

SWIM LEVEL

Mid to bottom level

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Cichlids can be very territorial and aggressive, so they are best kept in Cichlid-only aquariums. This behavior can be exacerbated when fishes are breeding. Cichlids will also eat smaller fishes (including baby Cichlids) so keeping your tank stocked with similarly sized fish is required to keep all tank mates safe. In some species, like the African Cichlid, keeping a crowded tank can help reduce aggression between fishes.

TANK REQUIREMENTS

20 gallons or more

WATER TEMPERATURE

74°-84°F depending on species 

FEEDING

Offer Cichlid flakes, appropriately sized pellets, or frozen or freeze-dried blood worms or brine shrimp daily. Most aquariums should be offered food twice a day in a quantity that can be completely consumed by its inhabitants within 1-2 minutes. Leftover foods should be removed from the aquarium to avoid rotting. Stock level and types of species may require adjustments to these feeding recommendations.

SUPPLEMENTS

While supplements are not usually needed for Cichlids if they are fed a varied diet, a lot of research has been done to suggest giving Vitamin C to a fish helps in disease prevention and healing.

ENVIRONMENT

Ensuring your tank has enough space and hiding places for each fish to establish his own territory is a must for Cichlids. Rooted plants are usually not advised for Cichlid tanks as they have a habit of moving around substrate when establishing territories. Most Cichlids get very large and will need a large aquarium (60 gallons or more) once they reach adult sizes.

ACCLIMATING & QUARANTINING

We recommend water acclamation and 24 hours of quarantine (if possible) for your new freshwater fish. To achieve this, float the bag containing the new fish in your aquarium for 10 to 15 minutes to equalize temperatures. At this point, you can add small amounts of your tank water to the fish bag every 15 minutes or so 3-4 times. Then, catch your new fish out of the bag and release it into your quarantine aquarium.

ACCLIMATING NEW FISH

We recommend floating the bag containing the new fish in your aquarium for 15 minutes to equalize temperatures. At that point you can add a ½ cup to 1 cup of tank water to the bag (depending on the bag size). Wait another 15 to 20 minutes and then add another ½ to 1 cup of tank water to the bag. Repeat this cycle 3-4 times and then catch your fish and release him into his new tank. Discard all water used for acclimation.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• Cichlid pellet or flake foods
• Frozen or freeze-dried blood worms or brine shrimp
• Aquarium rocks to build hide spots
• Aquarium decor caves
• Other decor accessories (optional)

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.