Fairy Cichlids

The Fairy Cichlid is found throughout the northern part of Lake Tanganyika, preferring shallow, sediment-rich rocky environments.

When these graceful fish congregate in big aggregations (hundreds of fish) to forage for food, they form monogamous pairs. If hosting additional species, the aquarium should preferably be at least 4ft long, with adequate filtration, water circulation, and oxygenation.

Sand is the ideal substrate material, and the water must be hard and alkaline. Rocks should be used to form small outcrops, with plenty of visual barriers.

In the limitations of the home aquarium, Fairy Cichlids can be hostile toward one another, so having broken lines of sight among the decor will help. These cichlids can be kept in a species-only aquarium or a Tanganyikan community with other fish of a similar temperament.

Combining Fairy Cichlids with other species does not always work in the long run, because their breeding strategy of producing large numbers of juveniles defending their burgeoning family and ever-growing home territory will eventually leave no room for outsiders unless the aquarium is carefully planned.

This fish is the name given to the ‘brichardi complex,’ which includes similar species such as gracilis, pulcher, and olivaceous that share behavioral characteristics.

I. Size

• Average Adult Size: 3 inches (8 cm)
• Maximum Adult Size: 4 inches (10 cm)
• Swimming Level:  Very active fish likes to swim around and explore all areas of the aquarium.

II. You would love the fish because…

Cichlids are rather deep-bodied and have one nostril (rather than the usual two) on each side of the head.

A Fairy Cichlid is a perfect pet. Feeding them sufficiently and regular water changes will keep these fish healthy inside a tank.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

• Recommended: a pair
• Male and Female ratio: 1 male many females
• Overall hostility: Peaceful
• Hostility towards own species: Peaceful
• Hostility towards other Species: Hostile

IV. Species compatibility.

• Rift valley lake cichlids
• Blue Dolphin Cichlid
• Jack Dempsey
• Peacock Cichlids
• Starry Night Cichlid
• Black Calvus Cichlid
• Electric Yellow Cichlid
• Cuckoo Catfish
• Red Irian Rainbowfish
• Common Plecostomus
• Mbu Puffer Fish.

V. How to feed this species?

Flake, green flake, slow-sinking pellets/granules, frozen foods such as vitamin-enriched brine shrimp, Mysis shrimp, chopped krill, mosquito larvae, etc.

Fairy Cichlids in aquariums eat a slightly different diet. Food should be supplied to the larvae two to three times per day. They should be fed living species that are easily consumed, such as newborn brine shrimp. The fish should be fed enough small living species like worms and mosquito larvae to match the meals found in their natural habitat.

Recommended Food

• Hikari Cichlid Biogold Plus
• Hikari Sinking Cichlid Excel Pellet Fish Food for All Life Stages

Word for the wise

Live Plants

Rocks

Substrate

Driftwood

Live, frozen food

Aquarium Starter Kit

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