Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Most Common Cichlid Species

With over 2000 species of cichlid fish around the
world, there are a few particular types that are
that are more popular with aquarium hobbyists.

There are many reasons for their popularity. Some
are well-loved because of their stunning
appearance, while other types for being hardy
cichlid species that are easy to keep, feed, and
breed.

It was in about 1945 when Cichlids became popular
amongst
aquarium enthusiasts. Aquarium enthusiasts found
them suitable for home tanks because of their
size and because they were easy to feed and bred
readily, caring for their brood even in captivity.

Here are six of the most common cichlids that
have become popular aquarium fish:

* <b>The Discus Cichlid</b> (Symphysodon SPPI) -
Another favorite among aquarium enthusiasts, the
discus fish is probably one of the more
socialized cichlids. They are probably one of the
few schooling cichlids and, in their original
habitat, live in large groups.

Discus require much social interaction for them
to enhance their character, so when getting
discus fish, it is wise to get more than two of
them. Their breeding tanks are simple at best-no
substrate needed, simple filtration system, and a
lot of spawning sites. The aquarium water should
be soft enough to let the eggs develop properly.

* Convict cichlid (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus) -
This type of cichlid is a good fish for beginners
because of its small size and its ease in keeping
and breeding. They are not fussy about food or
water conditions.

When keeping convict cichlids, one needs to
recreate their original habitat, putting in rocks
and artificial caves-they'll eventually use these
for breeding-into the aquarium. They tend to
burrow into the substrate, so external filtration
is best for this type of cichlid.

* Oscar fish (Astronotus ocellatus) - Also called
oscar, tiger oscar, velvet cichlid, or marble
cichlid, the oscar fish comes from South America
and have even been considered food fish.

Oscars being such a tough fish will stand all
sorts of water types and toxicity levels. This
fast-growing fish (it can grow beyond 18 inches)
will eat a range of food, including pellets, live
food, and flakes. Make sure you feed them enough
live food so they stay healthy and their colors
stay bright.

* Jack Dempsey - Named after a boxing
heavyweight, Jack Dempsey cichlids are easy to
breed and feed and can live up to 10 years. It is
their stunning coloration that piques people's
interest. When they are young, Jack Dempsey
cichlids show a tan or light gray color with some
turquoise specks.

As they mature, their colors turns purple gray
with some blue and green highlights while its
specks turn gold.

* <b>The Angelfish Cichlid</b> (Pterophyllum
Scalare) - Originating from the Amazon, Orinoco,
and Essequibo rivers in South America, the
angelfish has become one of the more popular
cichlids because of its unique, elegant
appearance, inquisitive nature, and mild-mannered
disposition

* The dwarf cichlid ( Mikrogeophagus ramirezi )
The Ram Cichlid can be a really stunning, little,
as well as tranquil cichlid. These guys are much
more well known than their relative the Bolivian
Ram despite being discovered somewhat 30 years
later.

Although they are a little harder look after and
breed, their temperament is alot more laid back
than their Bolivian relatives. Even so they do
help make a great inhabitant for a neighborhood
fish tank with fish of a comparable character.

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