cichlids

African Cichlids
Cichlids comprise a huge body of fishes that originate from Africa, North, Central and South America, India
and Madagascar. Cichlids, of various species, can be found in fresh, salt and brackish water environments.

Currently, in the aquarium hobby, cichlids from the rift lakes of Africa seem to dominate the interest of
aquarists. African cichlids originate from several locales on the African Continent. They are found in the
large lakes, but also in tributaries, rivers and swamps.
This article's focus is on African Cichlids that originate from Lake Malawi, as they represent a large and
diverse group of fishes available to our hobby.
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is estimated to be one to three million years old. It is one of Africa's rift lakes, the 3rd
largest lake on the continent of Africa, and the 9th largest lake in the world. The lake is bordered by the
African countries of Malawi, Mozanbique and Tanzania.

Lake Malawi is the 2nd deepest lake in Africa.
The lake is approximately 11,400 square miles, with a depth of 2,310 feet! The pH of the lake is 7.7 - 8.6.
Hardness is 6-10 dH. Temperatures in Lake Malawi average from 73 - 82 degrees Farenheit.

Ichthyologists who have studied Lake Malawi now believe that there are more than 1000 Cichlid native
species in the lake! In the aquarium, Malawi Cichlids require hard and alkaline water conditions. Frequent
smaller water changes are more effective than larger less frequent water changes. One interesting fact is
that Malawi Cichlids will actually grow larger in aquarium environments than they do in their native
environment!

Mbunas
The Mbunas are a group of rock-dwelling cichlids. They are brilliantly colored, and are aggressive in
nature. The males, of these species, are more colorful than their mates. The males also characteristically
have yellow or orange egg spots on their anal fins, which become brightened during mating. When
establishing an aquarium for Mbuna Cichlids, it is important to have numerous rocks that can form caves or
other hiding places. Plants are unnecessary, as there are no plants in the Mbunas’ natural environment in
the lake.

Haplochromines
Most of the cichlids that are not included in the Mbuna category are considered Haplochromines. These
species are open water dwellers. In general, these species are somewhat less aggressive. Unless you are
maintaining a very large aquarium of at least 200 gallons, it is not advisable to mix these with Mbunas.

References:
Zurlo, Greg and Schleser, David M.Cichlids, A Complete Pet Owner’s Manual. Barron’s Educational Series.
English Translation Copyright 2002 Konings, Ad Malawi Cichlids in their natural habitat, 3rd Edition.
Cichlid Press 2001

James Tresh
July 2008