The Midas Cichlid Amphilophus citrinellus (previously Cichlasoma citrinellum) is a large, eye-catching, and gorgeous show specimen. The coloring of the wild Midas Cichlid is a naturally camouflaging dark brown, gray to blackish body with six dark bars and a large black blotch on the side. However, this bar patterning seems to disappear once the Midas is introduced into the aquarium. In addition to their normal colorling, there is also a naturally occuring but seemingly out of place bright yellow color morph.
This cichlid has been extensively bred in captivity and has seen the development of a wide variety of striking color morphs. They range in colors from oranges, yellows, whites, and combinations of these colors. The most popular color morph is a creamy and sometimes spotted yellow colored specimen. In addition to the development of these various color morphs, breeding the Midas Cichlid has also been instrumental in developing the now very popular Flowerhorn Cichlid hybrid. Also, the Midas is currently being used in scientific studies examining certain aspects of fish behavior.
These Cichlid is often very similar in color to the Red Devil Cichlid Amphilophus labiatus, and some websites mistakenly list them as the same fish. But although these two fish differ very little in their appearance, there are definite morphometric differences. For instance, the Midas Cichlid is a bit smaller than the Red Devil and will only reach about 10 - 14" (25 - 35 cm) in length while the Red Devil can attain a size of up to 15 inches (38 cm). Their places of origin are also different. While the Midas Cichlid can range from Costa Rica to Nicaragua, the Red Devil is only found in the Nicaraguan lakes. Further confusing the issue is the fact that the number of available wild caught MIdas Cichlids has been much reduced in recent years, and thus many that are offered for sale today are actually a hybrid between the Midas and Red Devil.
This fish is a moderately easy fish to care for but will need to be housed in a large aquarium. They are generally a fairly peaceable cichlid compared to other large Central American cichlids, but are almost guaranteed to become quite aggressive if kept in a tank that is 4' long or less. This increase in aggression is attributed to the fact that in the wild they are known to commonly keep and defend an area of 4' around their nests. They are extremely aggressive and territorial when breeding. Thus, it is recommended to keep this cichlid in a large tank of at least 6' in length, especially during their breeding cycle. If housing them with other fish, decorate in a way that provides natural borders for their territory. Keeping other fish out of their 'line of sight' will also help to lower aggression.
These Cichlid appreciate a bottom of fine sand and plenty of hiding places among rocks and wood. They are avid diggers and live plants don't fare so well as they will be eaten or shredded. Make sure rocks are well bedded on the actual glass bottom of the tank to prevent toppling. Be sure to leave an open area in the center for swimming. Good water quality and a very large tank are both necessary for their optimum health.
Aquarium Setup
Like many larger Central American cichlids, the Midas Cichlid requires a very large aquarium, especially if you are wanting to keep it with other fish. Be sure to have a tank of at least 55 gallons for one female, 75 gallons for one male, and 125 gallons for a pair. If you are keeping them with other large fish, 200 gallons and at least 4' long or more may be required. If keeping this fish with other fish, it is important to remember that their territory in the wild is usually about 4' in diameter, so it is important to keep them in a tank which is larger than that in order to keep them from killing their tankmates. They do fine with low to moderate water movement and strong efficient filtration. Oxygen levels must be maintained for optimum color and health.
As with most large aggressive fish, make sure equipment such as heaters and inlet and outlets are provided protection as these large fish will often break these things. It is best to keep the heater externally or conceal them behind unmovable objects. To achieve the high levels of oxygen that this fish needs add a couple large airstones to the tank.
They appreciate a bottom of fine sand and plenty of hiding places among rocks and wood. They are avid diggers and plants don't fare well as they will be eaten or shredded. Make sure rocks are well bedded on the actual glass bottom of the tank to prevent toppling. Leave an open area in the center for swimming. Make sure to have a tight fitting secure lid to prevent the Midas Cichlid from jumping out of the tank.
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gal (208 L) - 55 Gallons for a single fish and 125 Gallons for a pair.
Substrate Type: Sand
Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
Temperature: 72.0 to 82.0° F (22.2 to 27.8° C)
Range ph: 6.6-7.3
Hardness Range: 10 - 20 dGH
Water Movement: Moderate
Water Region: All
BREEDING MIDAS CICHLIDS
It is possible to breed Midas Cichlids but aggression can pose a risk. A very large aquarium is needed because these fish become more aggressive during spawning and egg guarding. Midas Cichlids offer great parent care so it’s best to leave the fry in the same tank fish with their parents.
Credit : http://animal-world.com/encyclo/fresh/cichlid/MidasCichlid.php
https://www.fishbase.se/summary/63713
ไม่มีความคิดเห็น:
แสดงความคิดเห็น