Assorted Malawi Cichlid 4.5-5cm

Assorted Malawi Cichlid

African cichlids have become one of the most beloved fish in the aquarium hobby, with aquarists often dedicating entire large-scale fish rooms to keeping all the different colours and species available. Almost looking like fish that come directly from a saltwater reef system, African cichlids glow with their varying colours and attract many budding aquarists into the hobby with their personality, elegance, and behaviour. Malawi cichlids are a great entry into the cichlid world; however, they are not the best beginner fish due to the fact that some can reach 10–13 cm and can have quite aggressive behaviour.

As their name suggests, the wild roots of these fish are in Lake Malawi in Africa; however, because of their incredible popularity, they are commonly captive bred, and as a result of this, there are a plethora of colour varieties available. Some of these include albino, bright red, orange, sapphire blue, and yellow. They also have a wide range of patterning, such as stripes, spots, mottling, and more. It can actually be a difficult task trying to select individual species of African cichlids due to how many options there are, which is why the team at LiveFish has created this assorted option. This is great as it allows for a random selection of different coloured and shaped fish. Because they are captive-bred, these cichlids can easily tolerate aquarium conditions with a temperature range from 24–28°C and a pH of 7.0 to 8.5.

These African cichlids are best kept in a species-only aquarium, which will really highlight their colours, as this is usually the setting they are kept in by many aquarists. Breeding African cichlids is very much possible, as they breed quite readily in the home aquarium. Females tend to have more muted colours and stay smaller compared to males. Females are also mouthbrooders, meaning they will carry eggs in their mouth and release fully formed baby fry.

Tank Recommendations for Your Assorted Malawi Cichlid

Malawi cichlids can range in size, but this assortment mainly contains species that reach a maximum size of around 10 cm; however, there are instances where dominant males can grow to sizes of 15 cm. Because of this, and their territorial nature, it is best to keep them in an aquarium no smaller than 540 litres with a decent footprint. A 120 cm long x 60 cm wide x 60 cm tall aquarium would be a great option, as it is readily available; however, a larger tank will always be better. These African cichlids also use all parts of the aquarium, which is why it is best to have a good footprint in all directions.

African cichlids are fairly territorial, but they can be successfully kept together as long as there is enough space and visual breaks in the aquarium to avoid any long-term aggression. Creating structures from hardscape, such as caves and walls, is great as it allows for small territories to be established. If there is any ongoing aggression, these can simply be rearranged during a water change, which keeps the fish occupied with their environment rather than each other.

Due to their alkaline water requirements, it is best to use aquascape materials that will increase the pH of the water. Substrates like aragonite sand or crushed coral, along with rocks such as Texas holey or Seiryu stone, are best. African peacocks are not plant-safe, as they generally eat or end up shredding plants in the tank; however, there is a chance they will be fine with tough species such as anubias or Java fern.

Suitable Tank Buddies

African cichlids are best kept in a species-only setting, as it really accentuates their beauty; however, they can be kept with similarly sized African cichlids.

Usually Compatible

Other Lake African cichlids, such as species from Tanganyika or Victoria.

Sometimes Compatible

Smaller African cichlids such as black calvus, julidochromis, lemon cichlids, and anything slightly more aggressive, like frontosa or Tetrocephalus cichlids.

Rarely Compatible

Any South American cichlids or fish that do not tolerate the water parameters and requirements of African peacocks.