Astatotilapia Latifasicatus Crimson Tide 5cm

Astatotilapia Latifasicatus Crimson Tide

For the African cichlid collectors looking for an uncommon and unique species then the crimson tide cichlid would be a great consideration. These are a medium size growing cichlid reaching around 10cm and are native to lake Victoria in Africa. This species will be a beautiful addition to larger aquariums as species only colony setting or community system. Crimson tide cichlids are also quite easy to keep and their beauty alone makes them a fantastic display tank consideration.

 

Crimson tide cichlids get their name from the deep red colour they develop along the body however this is starkly contrasted by a yellow flash towards the tail and jet black vertical stripes. The nape of the body is a bright white which creates a very contrasting fish. These fish have a pretty robust body for their size and as they mature, and the array of colours start to come out. crimson tide cichlids do reach around 10 cm and are regarded to be quite aggressive so it is usually best to keep them with other similar natured fish or in a species only setting.

 

Trying to find the males and females in crimson tide cichlids is really quite easy as these males are far more colourful compared to females. The easiest method is to look at the egg spots on the anal fin of the fish. Males will have the bright orange egg spots which are a key part of the breeding process. After laying the eggs the female will capture the eggs in her mouth which the male will fertilise. The female will mouth brood the eggs until they reach a free swimming size.

 

Tank Recommendations for your Astatotilapia Latifasicatus Crimson Tide

Crimson tide cichlids are a semi-active fish. They spend a lot of time protecting their territory often hanging out near caves and rock ledges. They are not an open water swimmer like African peacock cichlids but they still do need space because of the territorial behaviour. Crimson tide cichlids can be kept in a group or in a solitary setting but they may not be as active and presentable when kept totally alone. It would be recommended to have some other cichlids with them.

 

The fish when kept in a group will need a tank which is at least 470 litres and around 4 feet minimum length. The main consideration for these fish is actually the aquarium environment itself. Since crimson tide cichlids can be aggressive to one another, it is best to have a lot of visual breaks in the tank. These fish also need a higher PH of around 8.0, this can be maintained through the use of crushed coral or aragonite sand and conditioning salts.

 

Suitable Tank Buddies

Crimson tide cichlids are particularly territorial but they do spend a lot of their time near the bottom of the tank. This means they should be fine with African peacocks and other larger cichlid species. Aggression can be avoided by keeping them in a large aquarium with lots of visual breaks.

 

Usually Compatible

African peacocks, star sapphire cichlids, Mdoka white lips and blue dolphin cichlids.

 

Sometimes Compatible

Larger haps such as Fuscodichromis and bottom dwelling cichlids like xenotilapia

 

Rarely Compatible

Smaller African cichlids like shell dwellers, calvus and julidochromis which would be far too small and get destroyed with the aggression of the crimson tide cichlid.

 

Feeding your Crimson Tide Cichlid

Crimson tide cichlids like other African cichlids are very easy to feed. They are an opportunistic feeder and will readily eat a wide range of foods being both dry, fresh, and frozen. Their diet should contain good quality African cichlid pellets with high contents of spirulina or greens. Feeding these fish once a day will be perfectly fine.