Description
Name: Amatitlania nigrofasciata
Difficulty: Easy
Max Size: 20cm
Origin: South America
pH: 6.6-7.2
Temperature: 25-27°C
Minimum Tank Size: 150 litres
American cichlids are also known as New World Cichlids which are a diverse group of fish. American Cichlids are a hardy, easy to care for fish species that add brilliant colour to the freshwater aquarium. More than 225 species, with estimates of 300 species, of cichlids are found throughout South America. Many reach upwards of 30cm and larger in size that makes them ideal for a large aquarium. They generally exhibit semi-aggressive to aggressive behavior so it’s important to know that some South American Cichlids are not community fish.
Although seen as aggressive fish, some American cichlids can be kept together in a large aquarium of at least 180 litres so long as they are of similar size. The aquarium should be heated to between 25-27°C and a pH of 6.6-7.2 be maintained through use of buffers such as Seachem Acid Buffer and Seachem Neutral Regulator.
South American cichlids can tend to be quite dirty fish, especially as they get bigger. So it is a good idea to get a high flow filter such as a canister filter that will help to keep your aquarium clean. American Cichlids thrive on a varied diet including Hikari Cichlid Gold, Frozen Foods such as Hikari Brine Shrimp and Beef Heart.
