Cichlid care guides

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Cichlid Water Parameters

A species-group-specific water parameter guide for cichlid keepers, covering African Rift Lake, South American, and Central American cichlids with exact ranges, adjustment methods, and monitoring protocols.

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Wolf Fish Care Guide

A practical care sheet for wolf fish covering tank requirements, water parameters, feeding protocols, aggression management, health monitoring, and species-specific differences between Hoplias malabaricus, H. aimara, and Erythrinus erythrinus.

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Flowerhorn Cichlid Care Guide

A practical care sheet for Flowerhorn Cichlids covering tank requirements, water parameters, feeding for kok growth and colour enhancement, aggression management, common health issues, and daily maintenance routines.

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Cichlid Tank Mates: Compatible Species by Type

A comprehensive compatibility guide for cichlid fish, covering tank mates for African Mbuna, Peacock and Hap cichlids, South American cichlids, and dwarf cichlids, with stocking examples and species to avoid for each group.

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Wolf Fish Care Guide

Hoplias malabaricus

The Wolf Fish (Hoplias malabaricus) is the apex freshwater predator of South America, found in virtually every river system from the Orinoco to the Paraná. Known in its native range as "Traíra," this robust characiform is built for one purpose: to hunt. With a mouth full of canine-like teeth, explosive strike speed, and the tenacity to survive in oxygen-depleted swamps, the Wolf Fish is the ultimate predator-keeper's fish. This guide covers everything from tank requirements and feeding protocols to breeding behaviour and safe handling practices.

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Flowerhorn Cichlid Care Guide

Hybrid (Amphilophus spp.)

The Flowerhorn Cichlid is a man-made hybrid originating from Malaysian and Taiwanese breeding programmes in the late 1990s, primarily involving crosses between Amphilophus citrinellus (Midas Cichlid), Amphilophus trimaculatus (Trimac), and various Central American cichlid species. Celebrated for its prominent nuchal hump (kok), vivid colouration, and interactive personality, the Flowerhorn has become one of the most commercially successful ornamental fish in history. This guide covers the husbandry of all major Flowerhorn strains — from the classic Zhen Zhu (Pearl) to the Super Red Dragon and King Kamfa — with specific attention to hump development, colour enhancement, and the aggressive temperament that makes this fish both fascinating and challenging.

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Blue Zaire Frontosa (Cyphotilapia frontosa)

Cyphotilapia frontosa

The Blue Zaire Frontosa is the most coveted geographic variant of Cyphotilapia frontosa, a majestic cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. Distinguished from other Frontosa variants by its extraordinarily deep cobalt-blue body colouration between the characteristic black vertical bars, the "Zaire Blue" commands premium prices and devoted collector followings worldwide. Wild populations inhabit the deep rocky zones of the Congolese (formerly Zaire) coastline at depths of 30–70 metres — making them one of the deepest-dwelling cichlids in the lake. This The Fish Collection guide provides comprehensive care instructions for this slow-growing, long-lived, and deeply rewarding species, drawing on our experience breeding and maintaining Frontosa colonies for over a decade.

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Starry Night Cichlid (Paratilapia polleni)

Paratilapia polleni

The Starry Night Cichlid (Paratilapia polleni) is a stunning Madagascar endemic — one of only a handful of cichlid species native to the island. Its common name derives from the spectacular adult colouration: a jet-black body peppered with hundreds of iridescent gold, white, and blue spots that evoke a night sky. Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction and invasive species competition, the Starry Night Cichlid is both an aquarium showpiece and a conservation priority. This guide provides comprehensive care information for this rare and rewarding species, drawing on The Fish Collection's experience maintaining and breeding Malagasy cichlids.