How Do You Extend Your Cichlid’s Lifespan? Below is a list of the lifespan of several types of African cichlids. Some species tend to live longer than others. The Cichlidae family is so large that it is difficult to give a specific lifespan. Males use these tubercles to attract mates. Males and females will develop breeding tubercles on their heads when they reach maturity, although the females’ tubercles are less visible. Mbunas usually approach sexual maturity around six months of age. Once the Mbuna eggs are laid and hatch, the fry depends on their parents to provide for their basic needs. The Mbuna life cycle can be a fascinating process. They can even be fed fresh veggies such as romaine lettuce, cucumber, carrots, spinach, etc., but make sure to remove any uneaten fresh vegetables within a day to prevent issues with water quality. It is best to give plant-based foods that are high in protein. Meat is not a great choice for feeding your cichlid as it is not easy for them to digest. In the wild, cichlids feed almost continuously. A diet of algae, protein, and vegetables is ideal for a healthy mbuna. When food is scarce in the wild, they will also eat insect larvae, eggs, fry, and invertebrates. They also traditionally feed on zooplankton. They have a flat face because they use it to scrape strands of algae off the surface of the rocks.

Mbunas typically eat surface growth on the rocks where they live. Females and juveniles are yellow in color with black stripes, and males are usually dark purple to black with yellow vertical stripes. These cichlids are not recommended for beginner fish keepers due to their aggressive nature. Golden Cichlids are highly aggressive, often too aggressive for a community cichlid tank. Wild Red Zebra cichlids are often blue, but this color is more common in males. The Red Zebra cichlids are usually more orange than red, with darker stripes that are also orange. They are a bright yellow color, and as they get older, black stripes and bars appear. Electric Yellow CichlidĮlectric yellow cichlids have a peaceful personality and are therefore known as “yellow lab cichlid.” They will show aggression but only towards fish that are similar in shape and color to themselves.

Bumblebee cichlids feed on parasites that can infect other fish. They are brightly colored when young and tend to darken with age. There are over 200 species of mbuna cichlids, but which are some of the most popular? Bumblebee Cichlidīumblebee cichlids, also known as hornet cichlids, have characteristic black and yellow vertical banding with long bodies. What Are Some Popular Types of Mbuna Cichlids? Their adult size typically ranges from 3-6 inches in size. They are smaller than other African cichlids. They have flat faces, oval bodies, and pointed snouts. Mbunas are typically very colorful with horizontal stripes or vertical bars. There are over 200 species of mbuna cichlids. You might wonder what a mbuna cichlid looks like and how can you tell them apart. The rocks provide the mbunas with hiding places and room to spawn. The Mbunas live on the rocky shores of the lake. Lake Malawi was created when the African tectonic plate split in two, making two large, separate valleys. In nature, Mbunas live in the 9th largest lake in the world, Lake Malawi, which is 50 miles wide and 360 miles long. They were given this name because they usually live in rocky habitats. In their native territory, their common name is “mbuna,” meaning “rockfish” in the native African language. Mbuna cichlids originate from Lake Malawi in Eastern Africa. Varies by species, but up to 10 years for most Mbuna Species Information Mbuna Species Info This care guide will tell you everything you need to know about owning a Mbuna cichlid. These beautiful cichlids are hardy fish that add a flash of color to your aquarium. Mbuna cichlids are a species of African cichlids that come in a variety of bright colors.

Orange red zebra cichlid