Identifying African Cichlids: A Guide for Beginners
African Cichlids are some of the most beautiful and interesting fish in the home aquarium. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, and they can be a great addition to any aquarium. But as a beginner, it can be hard to know how to identify African Cichlids. This guide will give you the basics of how to properly identify African Cichlids.
Check the Color
The most obvious way to identify African Cichlids is by their color. While all African Cichlids come in a variety of colors, there are two main colorations that are commonly seen. The first is the blue-green coloration, which is a mix of blue and green that is often seen in popular African Cichlids such as the Electric Blue Acara and the Electric Blue Rams. The second coloration is a deep red, which is seen in species such as the Red Zebra and the Red Peacock.
Look for Distinctive Patterns
Many African Cichlids also have distinctive patterns on their bodies. These patterns can help you identify the species of African Cichlid you are looking at. For example, the Electric Blue Acara has a distinctive checkerboard pattern on its body. The Red Zebra has a zig-zag pattern on its body, and the Red Peacock has a network of red lines on its body. If you can identify these patterns, it can help you to identify the species of African Cichlid you are looking at.
Check the Size and Shape
While color and patterns can help you identify African Cichlids, size and shape can also be helpful. Many African Cichlids have a distinctive shape that you can use to identify them. For example, the Electric Blue Acara has a long, slender body, while the Red Zebra has a more stocky body. The size of the African Cichlid can also be helpful in identification; some species, such as the Electric Blue Acara, can reach up to 8 inches in length, while others, such as the Red Peacock, are much smaller.
Conclusion
Identifying African Cichlids can be tricky, but with a little practice and some basic knowledge, it can be easy to identify the different species. By using color, patterns, size, and shape, you can quickly identify the species of African Cichlid that you are looking at. So the next time you're in a pet store or looking at a tank at home, you'll be able to identify the African Cichlids with ease.