African Cichlids

Introduction
Cichlids comprise a huge body of fishes that originate from Africa, North, Central and South America, India and Madagascar. 

Cichlids, of various species, can be found in fresh, salt and brackish water environments. 

Currently, in the aquarium hobby, cichlids from the rift lakes of Africa seem to dominate the interest of aquarists.

African cichlids originate from several locales on the African Continent.  They are found in the large lakes, but also in tributaries,

rivers and swamps.  This article will focus on African Cichlids that originate from Lake Malawi, as they represent a large and diverse

group of fishes available to our hobby. 

Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is estimated to be one to three million years old. It is one of Africa's rift lakes, the 3rd largest lake on the continent of Africa,

and the 9th largest lake in the world.  The lake is bordered by the African countries of Malawi, Mozanbique and Tanzania. 

Lake Malawi is the 2nd deepest lake in Africa. 

The lake  is approximately 11,400 square miles, with a depth of 2,310 feet! The pH of the lake is 7.7-8.6.  Hardness is 6-10 dH. 

Temperatures in Lake Malawi average from 73 – 82 degrees Farenheit.   

 

Ichthyologists who have studied Lake Malawi now believe that there are more than 1000 Cichlid native species in the lake! 

In the aquarium, Malawi Cichlids require hard and alkaline water conditions.  Frequent smaller water changes are more

effective than larger less frequent water changes.  One interesting fact is that Malawi Cichlids will actually grow larger in

aquarium environments than they do in their native environment! 

Mbunas

The Mbunas are a group of rock-dwelling cichlids.  They are brilliantly colored, and are aggressive in nature. 

The males, of these species, are more colorful than their mates.  The males also characteristically have yellow or

orange “egg” spots on their anal fins, which become brightened during mating. 

When establishing an aquarium for Mbuna Cichlids, it is important to have numerous rocks that can form caves

or other hiding places.  Plants are unnecessary, as there are no plants in the Mbunas’ natural environment in the lake.

Haplochromines

Most of the cichlids that are not included in the Mbuna category are considered Haplochromines. 

These species are open water dwellers.  In general, these species are somewhat less aggressive. 

Unless you are maintaining a very large aquarium of at least 200 gallons, it is not advisable to mix these with Mbunas.

 

References:

Zurlo, Greg and Schleser, David M.Cichlids, A Complete Pet Owner’s Manual. Barron’s Educational Series. 

English Translation Copyright 2002

Konings, Ad                                   Malawi Cichlids in their natural habitat, 3rd Edition.  Cichlid Press 2001

 

James Tresh

July 2008