How Big Do African Cichlids Get?
What Are African Cichlids?
African cichlids, or Cichlidae, are a large family of freshwater fish native to the lakes and rivers of Africa. They are popular among aquarists due to their vibrant colors, interesting behaviors and varied shapes and sizes. African cichlids are found in a wide range of habitats, from shallow streams to deep, open water.
How Big Do African Cichlids Get?
The size of African cichlids varies greatly depending on the species. Generally, they range from 1 to 8 inches in length. Some of the larger species can reach up to 12 inches in length. The size of the fish also depends on the environment in which it lives. Fish living in deeper water tend to be larger than those living in shallow water.
Smaller African Cichlids
Some of the smallest African cichlids include the Peacock cichlid (Aulonocara nyassae), the Neolamprologus brichardi and the Neolamprologus multifasciatus, which all grow to a maximum length of 2 inches. Other small species include the Pseudotropheus zebra and the Pseudotropheus demasoni, which reach a maximum length of 3 inches.
Larger African Cichlids
The largest African cichlids include the Giant cichlid (Boulengerochromis microlepis), which can reach up to 12 inches in length. Other large species include the Electric blue hap (Sciaenochromis ahli), the Red zebra (Maylandia estherae) and the Jewel cichlid (Hemichromis bimaculatus), which can all grow up to 8 inches in length.
Conclusion
African cichlids come in a wide range of sizes, from 1 to 12 inches. The size of the fish depends on the species and their environment. Smaller species include the Peacock cichlid, the Neolamprologus brichardi and the Neolamprologus multifasciatus, while the largest species are the Giant cichlid, the Electric blue hap and the Red zebra.