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 Cichlids are perchlike freshwater fishes found in South America, Africa, Sri Lanka, and India, with more than 200 species in Lake Malawi alone (see the map to the right). They are more closely related to one another than to any other fish. The dwarf cichlid (Nannacara anomala) and the blue acara (Pelmatochromis pulcher) are popular aquarium fish, and Tilapia cichlids (ranging in length up to 50 cm/20 in) are important commercial fish.
African Cichlids prefer "hard" water, water that has a p.h. from 7.0 to 9.0. The African rift lakes are naturally brackish water with a p.h. of approximately 8.0. So adding one tablespoon of non-iodized salt per every 3-5 gallons helps keep the fish healthy. It builds up the protective slime that wards off disease.
Electric Blue Johanni's do not get alone with Electric Yellows or the Venustus.
Cichlids breed in the rainy season. When you change the water in the tank the fish tend to breed because the freshwater is like the rain. If you add cooler water the effect of rain is even greater.
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