UNDERSTANDING CICHLIDS
African cichlids are vibrant, intelligent fish known for their bold colours and fascinating behaviours. Native to Africa’s Great Rift Lakes — Malawi, Tanganyika, and Victoria — they are mouth-brooders, caring for their young in their mouths until the fry can swim freely.

While hardy and rewarding, these fish are territorial and best suited to intermediate or experienced fishkeepers.

Cichlids do not school and can be territorial, especially during breeding. Keep only species from the same
lake group to reduce aggression (for example, all Malawi or all Tanganyika). Provide plenty of rockwork and
visual barriers.

Maintaining a ratio of one male to several females can also help create balance.

Health and Wellness

Keep your aquarium a happy place for your fish by watching for:

• Unusual swimming behaviours.
• Changes in appetite or weight.
• Abdominal swelling.
• Discoloured or inflamed fins & skin.
• Fins clamped close to the body.
• Rubbing against objects, also known as "flashing."

Seek advice from an aquatic veterinarian if you notice any of these symptoms.

SETTING UP YOUR AQUARIUM

Creating a comfortable home for your fish is straightforward:
Choose Your Gear: Pick the right size aquarium and gather your substrate, decor, andequipment. For help, don't hesitate to ask an aquatic professional.
Prepare the Space: Ensure the tank's resting place can support the weight of a full aquarium—remember, water is heavy (1kg per liter)!
Rinse and Decorate: Wash all substrates and decorations with tap water only—no soap allowed.
Substrate and Scenery: Place your clean substrate in first, followed by your water-treated decorations. Condition Your Water: Treat tap water with a proper conditioner, like API Aqua Essentials, API Tap Water Conditioner.

LIGHTING AND TEMPERATURE

Lights On, Lights Off: Keep aquarium lights on for 10-12 hours a day to mimic natural daylight cycles, using a timer for consistency.
Temperature Control: After setting up, let your tank run for 24 hours to reach the ideal temperature before adding any fish.

ADDING YOUR FISH

Introduce Gradually: Start with a few robust fish while your tank's ecosystem establishes itself.
Beneficial Bacteria: Use a starter culture like API Quick Start to introduce beneficial bacteria and accelerate the cycling process.
Keep it Clean: Maintain nitrate levels below 20 ppm with regular water changes. Check with an API Nitrate Test Kit.
Enhance Your Knowledge: While this guide is a solid foundation, the key to thriving fish is continual learning. Get to know the specific needs of each species in your tank and stay curious about their care requirements. Make a visit & engage with you local aquarium store.

What will I need for my Cichlids?

Aquarium 150 L + for smaller species; 250 L + for larger colonies with stand
Aquarium hood with light fixture & bulbs
Crushed coral or aragonite sand to maintain hardness & gravel vacuum
Stacked rocks, ledges, and caves for territories and hiding spots
Aquarium heater and thermometer
Use a high-flow canister or hang-on filter with strong biological capacity
API Water testing kit or strips
API Aqua Essentials / Tap Water Conditioner
API Quick Start / Beneficial bacteria
Algae cleaning pad or scraper
Species-appropriate pellets or flaked/ frozen
fish food