Understanding Cichlid Behavior: The Key to Growing Healthy and Beautiful Cichlids

Cichlids are pet fishes that can be considered as decorative ornaments as well. If you want to add life and color to your house, you can put an aquarium with cichlids there since these fishes are very colorful. Be wary of keeping cichlids as pets though, if you do not know about cichlid behavior very well.

Understanding the behavior of a particular animal, especially one that you intend to raise as a pet, can help you become a responsible pet owner. Cichlids are known for their vibrant colors that can truly add beauty to your home. However, they have unique behaviors that you must understand.

How do cichlids behave alone or part of a school of fish? What kind of behavior do they commonly exhibit? These are just some of the questions that you must find answers to before deciding on breeding or raising cichlids. Below are some of the common behaviors of cichlids you must know:

If you put a cichlid in a room and you do not put a lid in it, there is a good chance that the cichlid might jump out of the water. This is not a far-fetched notion. Apart from everything else, cichlids are known for their aggressive and temperamental nature.

Large groups of cichlids have a tendency to bully the smaller groups. This is especially the case when they are in their natural habitat. Once they are in the aquarium, you as the owner are advised not to put different species together. Aside from this, you should also remember that cichlids in large communities should not be tied up with smaller communities.

Cichlids have many species. Their species is a contributing factor that explains their appearance. Note that the colors of species usually depend on their mood, maturity and of course, their type. Moreover, the size and shape of the cichlid is also dependent on which species they belong to.

Taking care of cichlids is very simple. You just have to feed them well with the right diet. You also have to ensure that they have clean water. Further, taking care of your cichlids requires a reliable filter which will take away water pollutants in the aquarium.

Cichlids of various species are known for their dominant stance. This is evident in their territorial nature. If you plan to redesign the aquarium, make minimal changes. The cichlids might get confused of their territories. Likewise, this might result to a conflict among the cichlids in your aquarium.

An important thing that you need to know about cichlid behavior is their concern for their brood. Since cichlids are protective parents, do not be shocked when you see cichlid mothers putting the eggs in their mouths. This is their way of protecting the eggs from harm.

Knowing these basic facts about the behavior of cichlids is instrumental in owning them and taking care of them. Once you get to know them, especially their unique characteristics and behavior, it will be easier to breed and grow them at home.

Larry Pearson is an expert author and cichlid fish enthusiast and has been keeping pet fishes for over 20 years.
To learn more about cichlid behavior and how to raise healthy and beautiful cichlids go to www.cichlidfishguide.com and sign up for a FREE Email Mini-Course.