Black cichlasma - the choice of a beginner aquarist

The black-striped cichlazoma has flat sides and a large head characteristic of all cichlids. The gray-blue case is spread across 8-9 black strips. It is this color, it owes its other name - cichlasma-zebra. In addition to the standard, there is another interesting form - "Flamingo", devoid of dark pigmentation.

In the aquarium, black-banded cichlazomas rarely grow more than 10 cm. The male is usually larger than the female, its fins have a pointed shape, the "forehead" grows with age. For the female, the bronze color of the abdomen and round fins are characteristic.

House for striped inhabitants: conditions of detention

The first question that arises when you want to have a striped pet: "How should an aquarium fish look?" Its description includes some mandatory conditions. For content, an average aquarium of 60 liters in volume is considered the minimum for a couple of individuals with winding terrain and shelters. With a spacious volume and good feeding, the black-banded cichlzoma easily coexists with other commensurable peace-loving fishes. The peak of aggressiveness comes in the period of caring for eggs and offspring, the head of the family is straightened with any threat, whether it is a larger fish, a net or an aquarist's hand. You can not ignore the design ability of this fish, which equips the bottom of the aquarium to your liking. For this reason, it is better to ensure a good water filtration. Black cichlasma in its natural form to the category of sissies does not apply, it is able to live with a rather large spread of water parameters. Most often recommended water temperature from 22 -26 ° C. With the feeding of special problems does not occur, for adult fish it is better to alternate animal and vegetable feed. If you want to pamper your pets, it's good to give live feeds: a pipe man, a bloodworm, a root, cut earthworms.

Parental concerns of black cichlases

The reproductive period usually begins with 8 months, but a couple of young people look much earlier. If the pair is already formed, it's easy to notice a quick replenishment. Fish begin to clean the place chosen for the nest. The future parents have a darker matrimonial color, the female has bright orange scales on the abdomen, the male has noticeable black spots on the anal fin. To stimulate spawning can be a partial substitution of water for fresh and increasing temperature by several degrees. The female sweeps up to 500 eggs on the substrate, which are taken care of by both parents. It is interesting to observe how adults walk their offspring, picking up restless fry at night in the nest.
Some couples even feed their babies, Spitting out shredded food. The distribution of roles is usually standard: the female cleans the nest, collects the brood in the flock, and the male protects from anything that seems suspicious to him. Black cichlasma is noted by aquarists as a very prolific fish. Since the moment when parents are cooling to the previous brood, the whole marriage ritual is repeated anew.

There is enough information to support the claim that the black-haired cichlasma is unpretentious. Nevertheless, to get a beautiful strong fish, do not focus on the minimum parameters of the content. This breed is a suitable option for aquarists who want to purchase an interesting but not requiring a complex pet care.