South American Dwarf Cichlids

Video explaining the needs and methods of care for dwarf cichlids from South America. The fish in this video are much smaller than many of the cichlids commonly kept in tropical fish tanks and most species of South American dwarf cichlids will not exceed 9cm (males).

Cichlids below 10cm are generally considered to be dwarf varieties.

Although dwarf cichlids are found in a variety of habitats throughout South America, generally speaking most will prefer pH below 7 and soft water to show best colouration and be most content. Bogwood, peat balls, almond leaves, oak leaves and alder cones are natural ways to reduce the pH and soften water in a home aquarium. All of these natural treatments may stain the water a light brown, which adds to the authentic look of an 'Amazon tank'.

Most of the South American dwarf cichlids will use caves to breed in but some (including blue ram) are classed as 'open spawners' and prefer to lay their eggs on curled up leaves e.g. almond or oak in an aquarium. Almond and oak leaves have natural anti fungal and anti bacterial properties which leach out into the water, protecting the eggs and help to acheive a better hatch rate.

A good dwarf cichlid aquarium set-up would generally include a sand substrate, bogwood and plants. Natural tankmates include corydoras, tetra species, small plec species (and angelfish or discus in a large tank).
Whilst generally very peaceful fish, all dwarf cichlids will defend their eggs and fry from other tankmates so it is best to allow for an 'exclusion zone' around the breeding site when planning the number and type of other tankmates.

For cave spawners, bogwood which forms natural 'caves' is often used (as shown in this video) for egg laying as is coconut shell, small half ceramic plant pots on their side or other suitable artificial 'cave' features.

Tank bred fish will eat a wide range of foods including flake, pellets, frozen and live food. Wild caught fish will be picky at first so feeding on mostly live food will be essential, introducing prepared foods in the diet until the fish become comfortable accepting a wider range of foods.

You can download our latest price list here: http://www.tynevalleyaquatics.co.uk

Please phone the shop for immediate stock checking or to make an order on 01661844005 and remember that although we always have a great range of tropical and coldwater fish, we don't have all of the species in all of the time - Stock changes daily so always phone before making a long journey to see us.

All of our fish are available for next day delivery (UK only) - please phone or visit our website for details.
All of the fish in this video were filmed in our tanks.

The 'balloon' varieties are generally bred in Asia and not a natural strain of fish (not my favorites by a long shot) and yes, I know I spelt borelli wrong - it should be borellii.

Feel free to post this video on forums, websites etc. if you think anyone may benefit from it and check out the hundreds more videos on my channel - all in playlists for easy viewing.

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[Beo426]

what is the size requirements for most of these guys

[pondguru]

Most species will like to have a minimum of 18" x 12" floor space in a home aquarium but the bigger the tank the better. Most breeders will house a pair 12" x 12".

[karlwooduk]

lol,, whats wrong with some people? good work pondguru,, keep them vids commin

[pondguru]

No worries, man.

I don't think the trolls realise that the owner of the video can just delete any comment they don't like - lol

I prefer just to make them look like fools.

[Jonebee7771]

@ pondguru, nothing to do with rams, but i hope you can help.

Just discovered small black tips on the tail fins of a couple of my female rosy tetras, any ideas? Parameters all ok! Nice one

[pondguru]

Ammonia can sometimes cause blackening but since there is no ammonia? I am stumped on that one.

[pondguru]

Thank you for your well crafted, restrained comment. For a Peruvian to call British people 'ugly tooths', its a bit like the pot calling the kettle black.

I'm glad you took time out of your busy schedule to share your wisdom.

[pondguru]

Well, man. What sort of ass clown puts a comment like tn a fish video?

All these fish in the video are Czech bred anyway....

Jesus wept.

[MrHoney2U]

Good info. nice video

[AndehX]

Apistogramma Veijita - Do they turn super saiyan? lol. Sorry I had to xD

[AndehX]

I would love a couple of electric blue rams for my tank, but im pretty much out of space now since I got my discus

[Beo426]

@pondguru ok thanks



[Jonebee7771]

@pondguru, water changes galore then and some major research, thanks for the reply, love yer vids keep it up!