Distichodus species are well known as plant eaters, but this should not deter you from trying to keep them at one time or another. All seem happy in water conditions of about 10-20 dH, neutral to slightly acid, and a temperature of 23-2 7°C (73-81°F) is suitable.
Africa is home to a wide range of unique and fascinating fish. The fossil record shows that some of these, notably the African lungfish (see opposite), have altered relatively little over millions of years.
Directory of Freshwater Fish Cichlids Asian and African cichlids Orange Chromide (Etroplus maculatus) ORIGINS: Asia, found in western coastal areas of India and Sri Lanka. SIZE: 3 in (7.5 cm). DIET: Prepared cichlid foods and live foods. WATER: Temperature 68–79°F (20–26°C); hard (150–200 mg/l) and neutral to alkaline (pH 7.0–7.5). TEMPERAMENT: Not aggressive. These pale-yellow […]
The shoaling instincts of barbs, such as these Red Tiger Barbs, even extend to their spawning behavior. Several males take part in this process in the wild, so it is best to house a single female in the breeding tank with at least two males.
Shaped rather like a coin, with a silvery body color, the Silver Dollar makes an impressive tank occupant, especially when a shoal of these fish are housed together. They can be sexed quite easily, since the anal fin is longer in males and has a reddish tinge at the front.
A black blotch behind the gills is a characteristic of these tetras, as is the relatively transparent body—hence the “phantom” of their common name. They look elegant in a shoal, thanks in part to the tall dorsal fin, which is more prominent in males. Include floating plants in their tank to mimic their natural habitat.
