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Black-striped cichlazoma is the most popular variety of fish in our time. These beautiful fish are small and very easy to maintain. In addition to the ease of care, they also attract with their sophisticated color. In addition, it is very important that black-striped cichlids are more calm than many fish of the cichlid family.
Not everyone shares the opinion about the popularity of this species of fish. Some breeders believe that today there are more colorful and interesting cichlids and cichlomas. However, according to statistics, the Yandex search engine specifically for black-band cichlazoma has the most requests. Every month about 2200 queries on this topic are entered into the search engine.
Description of black-striped cichlazoma
The Latin name of this type of fish sounds like “Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum”, which means black tape in Russian. The black-banded cichlazoma belongs to the order of perciform, suborder of perciform and the family of cichlids. The most comfortable temperature for staying this type of fish are indicators in the range from 20 to 28 degrees. Cichlomas of this species are practically not aggressive, some negative manifestations can be observed during spawning, as well as further education of offspring.
In general, today the genus of cichlazoma is no longer stand out. Representatives of this genus today belong to different families and genera, therefore, if you find different classifications in the literature, do not be surprised.
Who is the black-striped cichlazoma compatible with?
Black-banded cichlazoma is a fish that gets along with many, despite the aggressive nature of its relatives. Cichlazomas are very calm and very evenly relate to their neighbors, and even to those who are much smaller in size. You can even conduct some experiments with representatives of black-striped cichlases, plant fish from other genera and families in the aquarium and watch them coexist together.
In most cases, it is recommended to keep black-striped cichlases with other types of cichlids of medium or small size. Great options are diamond cichlazoma, a parrot and pseudotrophies. In addition, it is a well-known fact that barbs, terence, swordsmen and gourami get along well with cichlomas. Also, the black-banded cichlazoma calmly refers to the neighborhood with corridors, labeos, tarakatums and bots. Especially careful should be related to the content of black-striped cichlases together with catfish-like rocks. The fact is that cichlazomas leave their spawning at the bottom of the aquarium. Catfish-like fish species in this case will only interfere, since they will constantly swim into the territory with cichlase. As a result, there will be constant skirmishes between neighbors in the aquarium.
Particular attention should be paid to the fact that cichlomas are not adapted for existence together with aggressive and large-sized fish. These include piranhas, astronotes and macaroons. In addition, small-sized fish, slow species, will not be able to live with cichlomas in the same territory. These types of fish include mollies, small tetras, guppies, varieties of goldfish and other pecilli.
Black-striped cichlazoma is a kind of long-liver. Representatives of this family can live up to 10-15 years in an aquarium.
The conditions of the black-striped cichlase
Black-banded cichlazomas are medium in size, so tanks from 100 liters or more will be an ideal option for the aquarium. In such an aquarium, you can safely run two fish. However, there are no strict requirements in this regard, there have been cases of keeping fish even in an aquarium of much smaller volume. True, in this case, you need to understand that the pet will not feel comfortable and cozy, which means it will not multiply and grow.
In general, black-banded cichlazomas are completely not whimsical to the conditions of their maintenance. It is enough to provide suitable water parameters in the aquarium, as well as other conditions for keeping and breeding. Actually, for this reason, many experts recommend starting breeding cichlids with this particular type of fish. Particular attention when creating an environment should be given to the bottom of the aquarium, the soil placed in it, as well as zoning. The problem is that cichlazomas are big lovers of digging the soil, turning it over completely. Therefore, it is best to use small or medium pebbles, granite chips or gravel as soil. Smaller soil is not recommended, sand is no longer suitable for cichlosis.
Separation of the aquarium into zones can be done using special decorative elements. Various caves, grottoes, cliffs and other options are perfect in this case. In addition, it is possible to determine the various zones of the aquarium well using plants with powerful and impressive roots. It is very important in this case to strengthen the plants well in the ground, since cichlomas can dig them. For this purpose, you can use flat large stones or some decorative elements.
If you plan not only to keep cichlids, but also to breed them, you also need to install pots, flat stones or other decorative elements at the bottom in which the fish can place their spawning. Many experts argue that even if the breeder does not have a goal to raise fish, the aquarium should still be decorated with such things. Such an imitation will create conditions for pets as close to reality as possible.
The requirements also include mandatory water filtration and aeration. Once a week, you need to change a third of the water in the aquarium. As for lighting, there are no special requirements.
How to feed black-striped cichlases?
In general, almost everyone eats cichlomas, they can eat live food or ice cream. Representatives of this family of artemia, tubule maker or bloodworms eat excellently. However, do not forget about plant foods, a third of the diet with cichlase must include plant foods. You can use standard plant foods sold in pet stores or grow some fast-growing plants on your own. For example, duckweed is perfect. Also, fish can be given cabbage or salad leaves, and even oatmeal, previously scalded with boiling water. Fishes absolutely normally react to dry food and various substitutes. It is important to remember that representatives of this family have a tendency to overeat.
Feeding fish is a simple process, but it requires attention. It is important that the pet diet is varied and balanced. It is not necessary to constantly feed the fish the same thing, live food and dry food must be present on their menu. You should also take into account the preferences of cichlase and add protein feed or plant food to their menu, depending on your needs. Of course, the most popular food options are dry varieties of food. In Russia, the most sold food for fish brand "Tetra".
How to breed cichlase in a black strip?
It is worth noting that black-striped cichlosams are monogamous in nature, and therefore, breeders at a young age of fish form pairs that last throughout their lives. For this reason, initially a small number of fish should be bought, and the number of females and males should be the same. The age of puberty in fish is about 7-9 months.
To understand which of the fish is male and which is female is quite simple. First, males are noticeably larger in size than females. Secondly, males also have pointed fins in the back and anus. In males, a buildup gradually begins to appear on the forehead, and in females you can notice a fuller abdomen, which at the same time has an orange color.
Video: black-banded cichlazoma aquarium fish
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