Mbuna Mixed Cichlids

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QUICK STATS

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

Care Level: Easy

Temperament: Semi-aggressive

Water Conditions: 76-82° F, KH 10-15, pH 7.8-8.6

Max. Size: 5"

Color Form: Assorted

Diet: Omnivore

Origin: Africa 

Family: Cichlidae

Overview
Mbuna Cichlids are arguably the most recognizable of Lake Malawi African Cichlids. With their gorgeous jewel-like coloration and boisterous personality, they are truly prized among budding and seasoned cichlidphiles. Provide a large aquarium with plenty of rockwork, caves, ledges and hiding places for Mbuna Cichlids. Recreating the shallow, rocky shores of Lake Malawi can be achieved easily by using limestone or any type of inert rock as the main aquascaping feature. An aragonite-based substrate is recommended in order to maintain the necessary high pH and alkalinity. These cichlids do not like bright lighting, and the aragonite should ideally be either mixed with or covered by darker gravel to reduce the amount of glare in the aquarium. A species tank or a biotope setup housing only Mbuna Cichlids creates an impressive display. This setup will be large, well-filtered and have many protected niches for males to claim and defend. For the best spawning results the female to male ratio should be at least three females to one male. The female will spawn on a flat rock. She will then take the unfertilized eggs into her mouth and follow closely behind the male until he releases the sperm to fertilize the eggs. The female will then incubate the eggs for approximately three weeks before releasing the fry. The fry can then be fed newly hatched brine shrimp, daphnia,or crushed flake food. In nature, Mbuna Cichlids feed upon the aufwuchs (organic sediment) covering rocks and