It is believed that all types of cichlids, photos of which will be presented, are endowed with intellectual abilities. In terms of quick wits, they differ from many other fish. In addition, they like to set their orders in the tank. That is why it is recommended to keep these beautiful large fish in a separate aquarium. They swim closer to view a person near the aquarium, and react to the appearance of the owner.
Brief description of the family
A description of the types of cichlids is best started with general information. They belong to the Tsykhlovs. They mainly live in fresh water bodies of South America and Asia. They are found in Lake Tanganyika (Africa) and in Madagascar.
Most species are quite unpretentious in care. It is worth describing the most popular representatives from more than one thousand variations.
Akara Turquoise
This type of cichlid grows up to 15-20 centimeters. Scales shimmer with a greenish-blue sheen. Hence the name of the fish. On the caudal and dorsal fins there is a bright orange stripe. Males have a brighter color. Also, they have a fat growth on their forehead. Females are aggressive.
Keep a couple of these fish should be in an aquarium with a volume of three hundred liters. It can be decorated with snags, large stones. One pair of turquoise cancers will be able to share housing with catfish, black-striped cichlazomas.
Akara Maroni
The individual grows within 5-10 centimeters. The body is round, dense. Anal and part of dorsal fin long. A noticeable dark streak passes through the eye. A black mark in the form of a strip or spot is on the side. The main body color is gray-olive.
In the natural environment, lives in slow-flowing rivers. Aquarium individuals are bred on special farms. Fishes live in small flocks, are distinguished by a peace-loving character.
Acara bluish spotted
This species of cichlids is often confused with a turquoise Akara. But the fish are significantly different. The body of a bluish-spotted look has an elongated rhomboid shape. Its length is 7 centimeters. Caudal fin not bifurcated, short. The head is large, the forehead is wide, but without a bump. The upper fin covers almost the entire back.
The color consists of alternating silver-blue and dark vertical stripes. Blue spots are also scattered throughout the body. Keep fish in pairs.
Discus is false
The body depends on the size of the aquarium. If there is enough space in it, it can become disc-shaped. Aquarium individuals grow up to 15 centimeters. Dorsal and anal fins are distinguished by their length.
Body color is yellow, greenish or colorless. Found among fish and albinos. The body, especially the area of the gills and head, is decorated with strokes.
With proper care, pets live 15 years. They recognize only one owner. Sometimes this fish is called a philosopher due to thoughtful disposition.
Dolphin blue
One of the most memorable species of cichlids. In the wild, blue dolphins live in Lake Malawi (Africa). The fish has an oval body, a massive forehead, large eyes, thick lips. The body is painted unevenly, the color changes from silver-blue to blue. The fish looks amazing.
Individuals need an aquarium with a length of at least one meter. For a small flock, the tank volume should be two hundred liters. In a spacious aquarium, they grow up to 17-20 centimeters. The bottom must be covered with sand.
With age, an adipose growth grows on males on the head. Keeping in favorable conditions will allow you to enjoy pets up to 15 years.
Zebra
The body of the individual is oval. Dorsal and anal fins are acute. The length ranges from 8-15 centimeters. Life expectancy is about nine years. Body color is gray-blue. It has eight to nine black vertical stripes. It looks like a zebra coloring. The color of the fins is transparent, or with a yellow tint.
To create favorable conditions in the aquarium, strong filtration and aeration are necessary. A daily change of 30% water is also required. At the bottom of the tank you need to install many shelters.
Parrot fish
The animal was bred artificially. For this, several types of cichlids are crossed. The description and photo of the parrot fish suggests that it differs in the shape of the head and mouth, which resembles a beak. The body is round, painted in yellow, orange or red tone. There are fish of purple, pink and other colors. The fins have the same tone as the body.
Fish stay active throughout the day. That is why they need a volume tank of two hundred liters and a lot of space in it. To prevent misfortune, the aquarium should be closed. Fish are jumping.
In addition to the listed types of cichlids, it is worth highlighting the dwarf labidochromeis, which is distinguished by its bright yellow color. Its dorsal and lower fins have a black edging, which contrasts well with the general background.
Also common are Akara Itani, Astronotus, Pseudotrophaeus demasoni. The list may be continued.