Aquarium fish of the species cichlazoma north can rightfully be called a bright representative of the family. On the form of the body, it resembles a discus , so sometimes it is called a "false discus". For a novice aquarist, the maintenance and breeding of cichlasma may be an excellent school.
Description
In fish, not too elongated body, slightly flattened laterally. If the aquarium is very spacious, then the cichlasma may be closer to the disk by the shape of the body. In the natural environment the size of fish reaches twenty centimeters, and in the aquarium does not exceed fifteen centimeters. Anal and dorsal fins long, reach the base of the caudal fin. The color of cichlase may be greenish, yellow or colorless. If the dominant gene is absent in the fish genome, then the cichlasmoma northernum becomes an albino. The lips of the fish are thick, and the body, especially the gills and head, is decorated with line patterns. The type of cichlazoma north "Red Pearl" (or Gold) has a golden color body with a bright orange dot pattern. This selection form is considered the most elegant. Also interesting is the color of the cichlazoma Severum inridida: on a dark background there is a scattering of silvery spots, which in the clusters look like wide vertical bands.
The representatives of the sexes differ in their intensity of color. Males have a brighter color and larger sizes. In addition, their fins end with longer braids.
Tsikhlazoma is a monogamous, territorial fish. In the aquarium with proper care lives up to fifteen years, and puberty in cichlasma occurs in three years.
Content
As for all cichlids, the content of cichlasma does not cause much trouble to the north. The aquarium should be spacious, and fish should be purchased in the amount of 10-15 individuals, so that they can form stable pairs. Those fish that will be alone can be sold or given to friends. A cichlase steam requires at least 130 liters of water. A feature of the content of these fish is that a tall aquarium will make the shape of their body discoid, and a wide one - oblong.
To the ground in the aquarium there are no special requirements, but small pebbles and granite are more preferable, since the water will not be turbid. You can even purchase artificial soil. At the bottom of the fish you need to build shelters of rocks, snags. To plants, like the other cichlids, cichlasma is not indifferent, so they must be strong. It is better to drop them into a pot, fortifying it firmly with stones. Fit and plastic models. Shelter from the stones and plants is a must, because there the fish-rogue can hide from neighbors until you plant it in another aquarium.
Tsikhlazoma Severum prefers old water, but once a month one third of the volume should be substituted. The temperature regime is 22-24 degrees, the stiffness is 10-20 ° dH, and the pH is 6.5-7.5. Lighting a special role for cihlaz does not play, so it should be guided by the needs of other inhabitants of the aquarium. In the aquarium it is necessary to install a water filter and artificial aeration. Once a week, the bottom should be siphoned,
In food, cichlazoma is illegible. Tuber, crustaceans of small size, bloodworm, cut earthworms and dry food - any option is suitable. Sometimes treat your pets with plant food. Cabbage, dandelion, lettuce, scalded with boiling water will do.
Compatibility
In order to avoid fisticuffs in the aquarium, it should be spacious and equipped with shelters. If you plan to breed the cichlasmoma north, it is better to prepare the spawning grounds, because these territorial fish behave extremely aggressively during the spawning period. Especially will get voyalevostam and slow-moving fishes.