2x Red cichlid - Hemichromis lifalili - DNZ

The Red Cichlid, Hemichromis lifalili, has been known in aquaristics since 1860 and is especially popular among Africa fans. Its habitat is the coastal area of West Africa, where it inhabits both freshwater rivers and brackish water rivers from Senegal to the eastern Lake Turkana. These rainforest and savanna rivers are quite soft and sometimes turbid. Being quite strong in character, the Red Cichlid is suitable as an introductory cichlid for beginners who are not afraid to go into the specifics of this animal.

Red cichlids exhibit the high back typical of perch, with isolated turquoise scales appearing on a reddish base color. The conspicuous nimble cap is black. Also below the eye turquoise spots can be seen. Except for the red pectoral fin, the remaining fins are transparent yellowish, spotted red near the body in places. The belly can also be reddish.

With a size of up to 15 cm the Red Cichlid is suitable for pair keeping starting from 200 liters, whereby it should rather be kept in species tanks due to its strongly pronounced social behavior. Since it also searches for food in the substrate and rummages through it accordingly, a sufficiently dimensioned filter is advisable.

The males differ from the females only by their somewhat more intensive colors and the body size. In and of itself, a pair of these cichlids can be put together without any problems, even if harmonizing pairs are formed in a group. The readiness to mate can be increased by raising the temperature and feeding heavily with large live foods and frozen foods. At mating time these cichlids become extremely unpleasant for their fellow fish and are conspicuous not only by their beautiful fiery red colors, but also by their increased aggression, as well as by digging pits, during which they sometimes tear out aquarium plants, but also quite possibly rearrange the entire aquarium.

The oviposition with up to 600 eggs takes place in one of these hollows, from which, depending on the temperature, the fry hatch after about 48 hours. The mostly clear eggs are laid openly and defended massively from all by-fish. Here the parents support, biting the eggshells carefully. The parents regularly transfer the fry to new hollows and guard them there during the night. Their caring brood care and very distinctive colors are unique and quickly make them forget their other behavior. As soon as the youngsters fledge, the parents lead the baby flock equally through the aquarium - this sight will not be forgotten so quickly!

The aquarium of red cichlids should ideally contain 200 liters and be very well structured. On a bright sandy bottom with pebbles there should be enough roots and stone structures, which serve on the one hand as a territory marking, as a visual protection, but also as a retreat. Since the animals sometimes dig extremely, water plants such as Vallisneria or Anubias are more suitable in the edge or background area. Their water values should rather be in the softer to medium hard range, the total hardness between 4-16° dGH, the pH-value about 7, the temperature between 23-26°C.

Red cichlids will eat practically anything that fits in their mouths, so socialization of all invertebrates should rather be refrained from. A pure Africa species tank would be recommended, however, the socialization is also possible with humphead cichlids but also tetras and barbs, as well as other fish from the upper water zones. It should be absolutely paid attention to a sufficient aquarium size. Even if they are a bit shy in the beginning, they soon demonstrate their offensive disposition, which is quite impressive. In an Africa tank, at least, it will never be boring, as these fish do indeed "liven things up".

As mentioned earlier, the Red Cichlid is not squeamish about its diet, and so it is also very easy to feed, using whatever the trade has to offer: whether flake or granular foods, live foods and frozen foods, Red Cichlids will readily accept just about anything.

Our food recommendation: NatureHolic Cichfeed is a great staple food for all carnivorous cichlids in the aquarium, perfectly meeting their dietary requirements. The tasty pearls are also very well eaten by larger cichlids. Thanks to their soft texture, NatureHolic Cichfeed food pearls are gentle on the mouth and can be eaten very well by the fish.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.