Mbuna Mixed Cichlid

Mbuna Mixed Cichlid
(Pseudotropheus sp.)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 50 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
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Thailand
Family: Cichlidae

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. This assortment of hardy Mbuna Cichlids from the Genus Pseudotropheus, offers a great way for hobbyists to enjoy these beautiful cichlids at a great price.
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 wood. Provide a balanced diet of dried seaweed, spirulina and other plant-based flake and pellet foods. Supplemented their diet with meaty foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms

from www.liveaquaria.com

Marigold Wag Swordtail

Marigold Wag Swordtail
(Xiphophorus helleri)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 64-82° F, KH 12-30, pH 7.0-8.3
Max. Size: 4"
Color Form: Black, Yellow
Diet: Omnivore
Origin: Malaysia
Family: Poeciliidae

The Marigold Wag Swordtail demonstrates a classic color combination notable among the widely bred color varieties of the Xiphophorus helleri Swordtail. The bold color combination of yellow and black gives the Marigold Wag Swordtail a sophisticated appearance. The Swordtail is perhaps the quintessential community aquarium fish. The time-tested popularity of the Swordtail can be attributed to its ease of care, peaceful temperament, and wonderfully diverse fin and color varieties. The most common Swordtail varieties include: Red Velvet, Marigold, Black Nubian, Pineapple, and Neon Swordtail. The male Swordtail is especially prized for its namesake feature, the showy extension on the lower part of its tail resembling a sword.
The Marigold Wag Swordtail requires an aquarium of at least 20 gallons that is well planted with plenty of room for swimming. Because of its peaceful nature, the Marigold Wag Swordtail is well suited for the community aquarium. However, the male Marigold Wag Swordtail can demonstrate territorial aggression towards other male Swordtails so care should be taken when housing more than one male. Also, the Marigold Wag Swordtail is an accomplished jumper, so be sure to provide a secure cover for the aquarium.

The Marigold Wag Swordtail is a live-bearing fish related to freshwater aquarium favorites including guppies, mollies, and platys. As such, a female Swordtail can give birth to as many as 80 fry at one time. A spawning box is recommended, or if one is not available, provide dense floating cover to protect the Swordtail fry from potential predation by the adults. Unless it is your intention to breed Marigold Wag Swordtails, the male Swordtail fry should be separated once the sex of the fry is determined. The Swordtail can begin breeding as young as three months of age and can quickly overpopulate an aquarium.

from www.liveaquaria.com