The Bumblebee Cichlid
Cichlid
Cichlids are fish from the family Cichlidae in the order Cichliformes. Cichlids were traditionally classed in a suborder, Labroidei, along with the wrasses, in the order Perciformes but molecular studies have contradicted this grouping. The closest living relatives of cichlids are probably th…
Glycera
The genus Glycera is a group of polychaetes commonly known as bloodworms. They are typically found on the bottom of shallow marine waters, and some species, are extensively harvested along the Northeastern coast of the United States for use as bait in fishing. Another c…
What do Bumblebee cichlids eat?
The bumblebee cichlids are categorized as omnivorous fish and are known for their voracious appetite. They feed on a large variety of food, which may vary between the wild and in captivity. The list of foods includes fry fish, larvae, and parasites in the wild.
How big of a tank does a bumblebee cichlid need?
The fish is large in size, territorial, and extremely aggressive. This means that it requires a relatively large tank as well as appropriate water parameters to enjoy its stay in captivity. The most ideal tank size for the Bumblebee Cichlids is a 50-gallon aquarium for just one fish.
Do Bumblebee cichlids get along with other fish?
The bumblebee cichlids are said to get along perfectly with other freshwater or brackish freshwater fish, but they require strong water movement in the tank. Since the fish are relatively large, they require very frequent water changes and an efficient water filtration system.
How do Bumblebee cichlids Smell Water?
The cichlids are recorded to have one nostril on each side, whereas all other fish are said to have 2 nostrils each. The way the bumblebee cichlids smell water is by sucking in the water through their nostrils and expelling it right out after they have smelt it for a long or short period.
What do bumblebee cichlids eat?
In a wild environment, bumblebee cichlids eat fish eggs, insect larvae, benthic crustaceans, and parasites that are found in and around the caves the fish inhabit. However, the species is actually an omnivore. Captive bumblebee cichlids may like a diet that is relatively high in protein compared with most other Mbuna.
Why do bumblebee cichlids turn black?
Given the number of bright egg spots, his ability to turn almost entirely black when aggressive and the fact that he is the dominant fish in the tank, he is probably male.
What type of cichlid is a bumblebee?
Pseudotropheus crabroBumblebee cichlidOrder:CichliformesFamily:CichlidaeGenus:PseudotropheusSpecies:P. crabro12 more rows
What can I feed my cichlids?
Most African cichlids are omnivores. Feed sinking pellets or flakes as a staple food. Give green food like grocery store spinach occasionally, as many cichlids like green foods. Provide the occasional treat of live or frozen animal food like brine shrimp and bloodworms.
How can you tell if a bumblebee cichlid is male or female?
Male bumblebee cichlids tend to be bigger and darker than their female counterparts. Female bumblebee cichlid's fins are shorter and rounder than those of the males. Male bumblebee cichlids also have dark blue stripes; females have a brown zigzag pattern.
Can bumblebee cichlids change color?
Bumblebee cichlids are bottom dwellers, specialized in cleaning parasites. Often found cohabiting with kampango catfish, it eats their eggs and fry. It exhibits aggressive behavior by changing its color to jet black.
How do you take care of a bumble bee cichlid?
Cichlids should live in a tank that mimics their natural environment for the fish to thrive. Maintaining a clean aquarium is vital, as is performing regular water changes. Bumblebee cichlids are accustomed to clean fresh water in the wild, which means the fish are particularly sensitive to unsanitary conditions.
Are pellets or flakes better for cichlids?
Cichlids feed very enthusiastically on flakes, while pellets sink to the bottom where any other inhabitants (like catfish) can also get to them.
How often should cichlids be fed?
The first-rank feeding time is twice per day, feeding what your cichlids can eat before sinking to the bottom of aquarium, and your fish will grow faster than once per day feeding. For grown cichlids, the occasionally fasting is advisable, like one day per week, which assists in regulating the metabolism.
How many days can cichlids go without food?
seven to 10 daysWhile a collection of large, healthy cichlids can easily go seven to 10 days without fish food, an aquarium full of baby fish will need to be fed after a day or two.
Why is my yellow fish turning black?
Ammonia changes are, by far, the most common reason why goldfish turn black. Generally, the color change starts on the fins. Over time, it can get progressively worse and spread to the body.
Are bumblebee cichlids Hardy?
Bumblebee cichlids are hardy and generally free of diseases and infections. They don't have species-specific diseases, but they can develop common freshwater diseases.
Can cichlids change gender?
In captivity, cichlids can change gender too. However, this is much less common than in the wild. Many cichlids can change gender, a process where the fish changes its sex, either entirely or partially.
How big do Demasoni cichlids get?
Pseudotropheus demasoni is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi where it is only known from the Pombo Rocks in Tanzanian waters. This species can potentially reach a maximum length of 10 centimetres (3.9 in) SL. It is now commonly found in the aquarium trade.
Where do bumblebee cichlids live?
The fish is native to deep water caves found in Lake Malawi, Africa.
What is the best substrate for a bumblebee aquarium?
Sometimes whitish coral sand, regular decorative gravels, and black freshwater sand can be used as a substrate in the Bumblebee Cichlid aquariums.
How to tell if a bumblebee is a mbuna?
Bumblebee Cichlid Appearance. You can distinguish Bumblebee Cichlids from other Mbuna species by looking at its physical attributes. The fish is characterized by a thick, robust body shape for both males and females. Males grow to about six inches and are larger than females.
How long should a bumblebee tank be?
Remember that the tank should be at least 5 ft long and adequately aquascaped. The aquascaping must replicate the Bumblebee Cichlid’s natural habitat to make them feel at home.
How long should a cichlid tank be?
This tank should be 5 ft in length if you are going to house them with other tank mates. Make sure to aquascape the environment to mimic the rocky reef effect where cichlids thrive in their natural habitat.
Why should bumblebees be kept under a tankmate?
They should be kept under “ controlled over-crowding” conditions to discourage territorial disputes that may end up in fatality. Additional filtration is also required to help cope with cases of heavy bioload.
How big of a tank do bumblebees need?
But if you want to raise more than one fish, then you should consider going for at least a 100-gallon tank. This tank should be 5 ft in length if you are going to house them with other tank mates.
Bumblebee Cichlid Facts and Overview
Bumblebee cichlids are referred to by a number of different names. These include bumblebee mouthbrooders and hornet cichlids, but their scientific name is Pseudotropheus crabro.
Appearance & Behavior
The name bumblebee cichlid sums up the fish’s appearance well. This fish looks like a bumblebee because of its thick vertical black and yellow stripes running from its mouth to its tail. The fish usually has a yellow head, body, and fins. However, their color can vary immensely.
Bumblebee Cichlid Care
Bumblebee cichlids are easy to care for with the right training and aquarium conditions. These fish are aggressive, so prior fishkeeping experience is preferable but not essential. Cichlids should live in a tank that mimics their natural environment for the fish to thrive.
Habitat & Tank Requirements
Research a bumblebee cichlid’s natural environment before designing your aquarium since you need to recreate their habitat in your tank. If conditions in a tank are too different from what the fish are used to, they will be become ill and die.
Diet & Feeding
Bumblebee cichlids eat insect larvae, small crustaceans, and fish eggs in the wild. Captive-bred bumblebee cichlids should eat plants and fish food flakes.
Breeding
Breeding bumblebee cichlids in captivity is possible. Keep the tank clean and feed the fish a highly nutritious diet to encourage breeding.
Should You Get a Bumblebee Cichlid for Your Aquarium?
Bumblebee cichlids are not suitable for established aquariums. These fish should live in tanks designed specifically for bumblebee cichlids.
Bumblebee Cichlid Facts and Overview
Appearance & Behavior
Bumblebee Cichlid Care
Habitat & Tank Requirements
Diet & Feeding
- Bumblebee cichlids eat insect larvae, small crustaceans, and fish eggs in the wild. Captive-bred bumblebee cichlids should eat plants and fish food flakes. The bumblebee cichlid is a feeder fish, which means it feeds on parasites in the water. Aquarists often pair a large catfish with a bumblebee cichlid in an aquarium so that the cichlid can eat p...
Breeding
Should You Get A Bumblebee Cichlid For Your Aquarium?