Origins and Classification
- Scientific Name: Various species within the Cichlidae family (commonly from genera Haplochromis, Aulonocara, Labidochromis, Pseudotropheus, and Melanochromis)
- Family: Cichlidae
- Origin: Native to the Great Rift Valley Lakes of East Africa — mainly Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria.
- Popularity: Extremely popular among aquarists for their vivid coloration, intelligence, and interactive behavior. Known as some of the most colorful freshwater fish in the world.
🎨 Appearance
- Body Color: A dazzling range of shades — electric blue, sunshine yellow, orange-red, and metallic silver tones — depending on the species and mood.
- Distinctive Features:
- Bold patterns: stripes, spots, or gradient hues.
- Males display more intense colors during breeding.
- Females usually smaller with subtler patterns.
- Size: Medium — typically 4–6 inches (10–15 cm).
- Lifespan: 6–10 years with stable water quality and proper diet.
🏡 Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons for a small group; larger tanks (75–100 gallons) preferred for mixed species setups.
- Water Parameters:
- Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline conditions ideal)
- Hardness: 10–20 dGH (moderately hard to hard)
