Placidochromis Electra Fort Maguire 4cm

Placidochromis Electra Fort Maguire

For the African cichlid enthusiasts or the Malawi cichlid keepers looking for that next fish, adding the Fort Maguire Electra cichlid will be a great consideration. These are a close relative of the beloved mirrorball cichlid meaning they have very similar behaviour, growth, and beautiful electric blue. These are a species that are quite uncommon and often get overshadowed by other common cichlids, they will however be an awesome fish to keep in a colony setting as well.

Fort Maguire Electra cichlids are truly unlike most other African cichlids you encounter in the home aquarium. These fish are an amazing contrast to the generally saturated colours you see in Malawi peacocks with their deep blue body and jet-black belly. The blue can also show patches of platinum white scales that shimmer under the aquarium lighting. The fins can also show a mind copper hue and overall these fish will be a true stand out in the aquarium. Another great benefit to the Fort Maguire Electra cichlid is that they are not nearly as aggressive as other African cichlids however they can hold their own if picked at.

Trying to find the males and females in Fort Maguire Electra cichlid is possible as the males tend to grow larger and be more vibrant than the females. Females are more of a grey-blue colour with muted barring. These are a mouthbrooding fish meaning that females will hold eggs in their mouth and release fully formed, young fry into the aquarium.

Tank Recommendations for your Placidochromis Electra Fort Maguire

The Fort Maguire Electra cichlid is a very active fish that needs a tank that is at least 450 litres and around 4 feet minimum length. Though these are mostly a peaceful fish, they can be territorial at times. To avoid any aggressive behaviour, it is best to have visual breaks and hides through the use of rock caves. A sand or crushed coral substrate is best as these fish will sift through the substrate at times for food. Using crushed coral will also increase the PH in the aquarium as well.

Suitable Tank Buddies

The Fort Maguire Electra cichlid is fairly peaceful and can be kept with other African cichlids of similar temperament. The main consideration would be the space available in the aquarium and the water parameters that these fish require.

Usually Compatible

Other African cichlids like peacocks, electric yellow labs, red zebra cichlids and similar species.

Sometimes Compatible

Larger haps such as venustus, Fuscodichromis and small africans such as julidochromis.

Rarely Compatible

Shrimp and nano aquarium fish like neon tetras, ember tetras, and any soft water parameter requiring fish.

Feeding your Placidochromis Electra Fort Maguire

Fort Maguire Electra cichlid like other African cichlids are very easy to feed due to their active feeding response. These fish are however big herbivores and feeding them anything with a higher protein content can lead to bloat and digestion-related issues. Ideally, feeding them a spirulina based pellet of flake along with nori or algae flakes would be best.