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Where do cichlids live in the wild?
HABITAT AND DIET Different cichlid varieties do not often compete for food, as each species has distinct dietary needs. Cichlids are found in almost every possible body of freshwater within their geographic range including rivers, lakes, swamps, and even ditches and puddles.
Where are mbuna cichlids found?
The name mbuna means “rockfish” in the language of the Tonga People of Malawi. As the name implies, most mbuna are cichlids that live among the piles of rocks and along the rocky shores of Lake Malawi, as opposed to other Haplochromide cichlids that live in the open water or on sandy shores or soft substrates.
What do mbuna cichlids eat in the wild?
algae
Herbivores eat mostly plant sources of food. Many African cichlids, like Tropheus and Mbuna, primarily eat algae, biofilm and aquatic plants. These fish are meant to graze all day and have a really long intestinal tract so they can absorb as many nutrients as possible from food that has a lower fat and protein content.
Can all mbuna cichlids live together?
Because cichlids are mostly aggressive, they are generally not community fish and only do best in species tanks. Keeping cichlids from the same region together is also recommended. For instance, mbuna and peacock cichlids will do well together since they both come from Lake Malawi in the east coast of Africa.
How long do Mbuna cichlids live for?
A great deal depends on the species, its lifespan, and adult size. 7 – 10 years in a home aquarium. Just about all African Cichlids are aggressive. Even though Haps are considered more aggressive than Mbunas, Peacock and Utaka Haps are less aggressive than Mbunas.
Is Mbuna nocturnal?
They are diurnal, and feed in huge schools during the day, and retreat deeper to rocks in night to hide from the nocturnal predators.
How aggressive are Mbunas?
These cichlids are some of the most colorful freshwater fish for the home aquarium. Mbuna are very aggressive and territorial fish, they are not suitable for beginner fishkeepers.
Is Mbuna an omnivore?
My Mbuna are omnivore, not all Mbuna are herbivore they can also be omnivore and carnivore.
Do mbuna like current?
Mbunas appreciate lots of flow, they even enjoy swimming in it like it is a game. I do have experiene with them but not too much, just had them early august. But so far, they are swimming with the current that i have in the tank.
Where does the Mbuna cichlid live in Africa?
The mbuna cichlid resides in heavy numbers in Lake Malawi. This is one of the largest lakes in Africa and was formed over a million years ago. It comprises two big valleys that never merged and were filled with water. This fish takes up residence on the rocky shores of the lake.
How can I take care of my Mbuna cichlid?
Most of these species require the same level and conditions of care. They can be placed in the same tank, have similar water conditions, and be fed the same foods. This makes it easier to take care of a wide variety of mbuna cichlids. They all require basic care which any aquarist needs to take into consideration.
Where does the mbuna live in Lake Malawi?
As the name implies, most mbuna are cichlids that live among the piles of rocks and along the rocky shores of Lake Malawi, as opposed to other Haplochromide cichlids that live in the open water or on sandy shores or soft substrates.
Why are rocks so important to mbuna cichlids?
Rocks are especially important for mbuna cichlids since they like to hide, but also for any other fish that may be feeling stressed and needs some alone time. Rocks also help recreate their natural habitat where they can feel more at home. You should stack up rocks in a way which creates plenty of caves.