Are there saltwater cichlids

More by Kate Barrington. Home Fish Blog Freshwater. Don't Miss Stories on PetGuide. Share this Article. Kate Barrington Kate Barrington is the loving owner of two cats Bagel and Munchkin and a noisy herd of guinea pigs.

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Hap Cichlids Breeds Hap cichlids exhibit a wide variety of colorations and patterns. Mbuna Cichlids Breeds Mbuna cichlids are some of the most brightly colored freshwater fishes in the world. Their most notable feature is their iconic bulged head. Flowerhorns are a hardy fish and a good fit for beginners and can live for up to 12 years. Managuense Cichlids are also referred to as Jaguar and Aztec Cichlids.

They are naturally found in the waters of Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua. With proper care, they can live for a whopping 15 years! They will prey on smaller fish but are omnivorous.

Peacock Difficulty Level: Easy. Peacock cichlids are a species of fish native to Lake Malawi. They are named for their many bright colors ranging from blues to reds.

They also exhibit striping patterns. The average lifespan of a Peacock Cichlid is approximately six to eight years. They are one of the most peaceful and friendly cichlids, and can potentially be housed with other peaceful fish. These aggressive fish are known for their red faces. This coloration also gives them the names Redhead and Firehead. They may also be referred to as the Quetzal Cichlid. Males grow a hump on their head and have longer dorsal fins. They are native to Mexico, Belize, and Gualamala.

Synspilum Cichlids are largely herbivorous in the wild, and while they are omnivorous in captivity, they will thrive on a variety of vegetable-based foods as a major component of their diets. African Cichlids Apache Peacock. Apache Peacock Cichlids are a man-made variation of Peacock Cichlids. These fish are popular because of their beautiful coloration. The common color is purple with a yellow dorsal fin, but they can also sport stripes and blue coloring.

The most notable feature of these fish are the humps on their head. They are native to Lake Tanganyika. They will prey on any fish that is too small, but are otherwise one of the more peaceful variety of cichlids. They will appreciate a tank decorated with many caves and crevices in which they may hide.

Because of their predatory nature, they may not be the best choice for community tanks, but are peaceful among their own kind. Red Empress. Red Empress Cichlids are found in the wild only in Lake Malawi. The rainbow coloring of this species makes it a popular choice for aquariums. Ironically, only males show a wide variety of colors. It will keep algae from building up on rocks, as it is one of their primary food sources.

They live an average of 5 years, but their lives can be prolonged to up to 10 years with proper care. They are considered unusually docile for cichlids and can potentially be paired with other Malawi Cichlids in a sufficiently-sized tank.

Strawberry Peacock. African cichlids are hardy and adaptable to various situations. Many cichlid owners enjoy cichlids' superior intelligence. Some cichlids can adapt to saltwater or brackish water.

Integrating cichlids into saltwater tanks, though, is not something to take on as a beginner. The African cichlid tank is cheaper and simpler to maintain.

That being said, however, both types of tanks can give you the opportunity to create an exceptional focal point.

While saltwater tanks take a little more money, time and perfectionism, they are not impossible and even amateur fishkeepers can handle them with a bit of dedicated learning. With a professional background in gardening, landscapes, pests and natural ecosystems, Jasey Kelly has been sharing her knowledge through writing since and has served as an expert writer in these fields.

Kelly's background also includes childcare, and animal rescue and care. Types of Fish. By Jasey Kelly. Cost of Tank and Maintenance Supplies A saltwater tank needs all the stuff a freshwater aquarium needs, plus some.