BELONTIIDAE Macropodus opercularis The paradise fish has been familiar to aquarists since the mid- 1800s. It is the “black sheep” of the family, but possesses the advantage of withstanding temperatures down to 15%C - sometimes even lower for short periods. The female lays several hundred eggs which hatch in 2 days or so. Size: 10-15 […]
Julidochromis dickfeldi Dickfeld’s julie can be distinguished by its background coloration, often darker than that of its cousins, and by the blue border on the fins. Size: 8 cm. Julidochromis regani One of the largest julies, the striped julie or convict julie can grow to 15 cm; other species usually measure 7-9 cm. The English […]
Mesonauta festivus (Old genus name Cichlasoma) Unlike other Cichlids, the flag cichlid - sometimes called the festive cichlid, and not to be confused with the other flag cichlid, Aequidens curviceps - lays its eggs on vertical surfaces, while the larvae are subsequently attached to another support by the parents. A temperamental fish: keep it separate […]
In general these prefer slightly acidic, soft conditions, and sometimes appear sensitive to any change in water quality. The aquarium (300-400 liters minimum for the largest species) must be equipped with hiding places and an efficient filtration system. Feeding is no problem: these fish particularly appreciate live prey and fresh foods. They deposit their […]