Origin: Native to Central America, particularly in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, found in slow-moving rivers and lakes.
Size:
Typically grows up to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in length.
Coloration:
Known for its vibrant and striking coloration, the Rainbow Cichlid has a greenish-blue body with red or orange highlights, particularly on the head, fins, and tail.
Males tend to have more intense colors, including a more pronounced blue-green body, while females usually have a lighter and more subdued appearance.
The body is often marked with horizontal lines or spots that become more vivid during breeding.
Tank Size: Minimum 55 gallons
Water Temperature:75-82°F (24-28°C)
pH:6.5-7.5
Diet: Omnivorous; will accept high-quality flake foods, pellets, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and small insect larvae, as well as vegetables like blanched spinach and zucchini.
Temperament: Generally peaceful, but can be territorial, especially during the breeding season. Males may become aggressive towards other males, but they are usually not harmful to other species.
Compatibility: Best kept with other peaceful, medium-sized fish like Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, and other peaceful cichlids. Avoid keeping with overly aggressive species.
Breeding:Egg-layers; they are relatively easy to breed in an aquarium with the right conditions. The male will court the female with vibrant displays of his coloration. The eggs hatch in 2-3 days, and the fry can be fed infusoria or microworms.
Care Tips:
Provide a well-planted tank with hiding spots and territorial boundaries for peace between fish.
Regular water changes and good filtration are important to maintain water quality.
They do best in a slightly acidic to neutral environment, so monitor the pH level closely.
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