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Red-Finned Cichlid
Geographical distributionLake Malawi, Africa; Thumbi West, Nakantenga, Boadzulu, Zimbawe, Nankoma Island, Mumbo, Maleri, Namalenje Island. Also found in regions from Chirombo Point to Nkhata Bay and then from Lion's Cove to Chitande. DietRed-finned Cichlid is basically a herbivore but becomes an omnivore once in a while and relishes plankton, brine shrimp, daphnia, mosquito larvae and bloodworms. Provide them pellets, tablets, flakes, broccoli or spinach etc. and see it is getting 95% vegetable matter in its diet. You can also add supplements and vitamins to its foods. BreedingRed-finned Cichlid has been bred in captivity. It spawns in the territory of male. Male displays brilliant color and shakes until the female has laid 1 to 10 large eggs at a time on a piece of slate that is set at a position. Then, at once female takes eggs into her mouth as Red-finned Cichlid is a mouth brooder. Then male is stimulated to discharge sperm or milt cloud. Female inhales this milt cloud which fertilizes the eggs in her mouth. Development occurs in around 3 weeks. The fry are bigger than most cichlid fry. Feed them with finely crushed flake and a high content of vegetable. DescriptionThe down-turned mouth of Red-finned Cichlid is a clear indication of the bottom-feeding habits of this species, which spends a great deal of time grazing on algae. Several colour morphs are available of this species which, like many others from Lake Malawi, can be quite aggressive in aquaria. Physical CharacteristicsBody of Red-finned Cichlid is elongated. Its dorsal and anal fins are pointed. Pattern and color of males are usually alike. Males are blue in color and have dark bands. Their anal, dorsal and caudal fins are yellow to red to brown. Females have a variety of color forms. They are dappled in numerous colors from the colors of males to marbled orange. The lower jaw is under slung to scrape algae off the rocks. Tank Set UpThe tank of Red-finned Cichlid should measure 40 inches or 101 cms. It should hold 170-209 liters or 45-55 gallons of water. It prefers hard and alkaline water. Water temperature in the tank should be 22 degree C-28 degree C or 72 degree F-82 degree F. It requires pH from 7.0-8.4. They need either freshwater or brackish freshwater. Good water movement along with very strong and efficient filtration is also its necessity. Provide them with open swimming areas in the middle and bottom areas of the tank. Put regular gravel and sandy substrate and pile rocks to the top of water in order to provide it typical Lake Malawi set up in the tank. Keep a watch on pH levels as decaying plants can lower it. Social BehaviorRed-finned Cichlid is not measured as a community fish. You can place them with other more aggressive Mbunas if you provide ample rockwork for the fish to hide. A few Pseudotropheus species and Electric yellow Lab Labidochromis caeruleus, Haplochromis nyererei, Red-Tailed Black Shark, plecos and Compressiceps are some of other tank mates who can be kept with Red-finned Cichlid. They do not do well with vigorous scavengers. It is best to keep it in groups of 4 or more females and one male. If you are overstocking the tank to avoid aggression, do many partial water changes weekly. It is difficult to find Red-finned Cichlid. Prices vary depending on whether you want to buy a male or female or a juvenile. You can rarely find them in fish stores. Poor water conditions will weaken Red-finned Cichlid. When water quality is concerned, it is very sensitive fish. If their nutritional needs are not met with quality foods, they can suffer from Malawi bloat disease. Thus, you have to be careful while keeping this fish and you did so, you will have a happy pet. |
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The Red-Finned Cichlid is perhaps amongst the most well-liked and renowned of the Trewavas Cichlids. Its differing locations in Lake Malawi contribute to diversified colors seen among these fishes. Unique shape of its nose adds variety to Lake Malawi Aquarium. It grows to the size of 15 cm or 6 inches. Following account cites more about this fish.