There are 5 different described species of Cichla. Cichla are also known as Peacock Bass.
-Cichla Monoculus
-Cichla Ocellaris
-Cichla Temensis
-Cichla Orinocensis
-Cichla Intermedia
There are also many different described species that have yet to be identified. There are also many different color variations to each of the species mentioned above.
Cichla monoculus and Ocellaris are the most common of cichla found in LFS. Both species grow to around 24-30 inches. They pretty much look the same when at a juvinile stage making it near impossible to tell if you either have a monoculus or ocellaris. As Cichla ocellaris age they can start to obtain a red eye. Monoculus dont usually have red eyes but will sometimes obtain red eyes (Peacock blood eye) when they are either showing agression or while they are feeding.
Cichla temensis are not as common as their other related species. At the juvinile stage they obtain a black lateral line from head to tail making them easy to identify as juviniles. Cichla temensis are the largest of the species reaching lengths of 3ft suggesting that this fish is not for the amature.
General care - These large fish need plenty of room. They should be kept in groups as they feel more comfortable. This means they will need a tank no smaller than 240g.
Keeping this fish in groups at a juvinile stage can be a problem for aquarists new to cichla. Some members of the group will become the "dominant" ones and start to beat the others. This is normal behaviour and unfortunaly cannot be stopped. I would suggest taking out the fish getting beaten up and growing it up in a grow out tank, and then introducing it again later.
This fish is not too aggresive considerig its potential size although it will eat anything it can fit in its mouth.
These fish can be very skittish particulary at a young age but will eventually grow out of it in no time.
Cichla are also prone to
Hole in the Head (HITH). Cichla temensis quite often get the disease. The only way to prevent this is make sure water quality is at a premium and you have the right amount of filtration.
Feeding - Getting cichla at a juvinile stage to take prepared food can be a major problem for some. I would suggest not starving juvie cichla as it is very stressfull and cichla are VERY prone to
White Spot. I would suggest growing the cichla out to a bigger size and then try starving.
Another way to get juvie cichla to eat prepared food is to add other tank mates (oscars work) that eat prepared food. They will then hopefully follow the other fishes behaviour.
I feed my juvie cichla blood worms, whitebait, prawns, beefheart and feeder fish every now and again.
Feed these guys
EVERY day and feed them
HEAPS as a happy cichla is a
FAT cichla. Also provide a varied diet and expect to see some great growth rate from you juvie cichla.
All up Cichla are a great fish to have in your collection, however a lot of common sense thinking should be done before you purchase this fish.