| The Electric Blue cichlid is a popular fish among | | | | An Electric Blue cichlid can grow to be 6 inches in |
| hobby aquarists because it is an overall easy | | | | length, therefore should be put in a larger tank. A |
| breed to care for and an easy species to breed. | | | | 55 gallon tank is the smallest tank you would |
| People also find their vibrant colors pleasing to the | | | | want to house your Electric Blue cichlid in. They |
| eye. In addition, they are not known to be picky | | | | can live in murky water, but most hobby |
| eaters. However, they do ask for good water | | | | aquarists prefer to have their tanks clear. The fish |
| conditions, with suitable aquarium decorations. | | | | do not mind clear water, either. |
| Setting up an aquarium for an Electric Blue cichlid | | | | The water should be kept at temperature ranges |
| is simple, but takes thought and perhaps some | | | | of 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit. This is very |
| research. It is important to try to replicate their | | | | important because having the incorrect water |
| natural environments to the best of your ability. | | | | temperature is one reason why cichlis become |
| Electric Blue cichlids are native to an African Rift | | | | aggressive. They are hardy fish, but any drastic |
| Lake named Lake Malawi. In their natural habitat, | | | | change in water temperature could have |
| they depend on their own instincts for their | | | | detrimental effects. Keep the aquarium out of |
| survival by hiding in rocks and logs, searching for | | | | direct sunlight, and away from all heat sources to |
| smaller fish to eat. | | | | prevent sudden a rise or fall of water |
| In an aquarium, an Electric Blue cichlid totally relies | | | | temperature. |
| on his owner for his survival and well-being. By | | | | Finally, an Electric Blue cichlid likes to have plenty |
| providing for your fish, a home that closely | | | | of places he can hide, yet also have plenty of |
| resembles his native home, you will increase his | | | | swimming space. Rocks and wood can be stacked |
| lifespan, as well as cut down on aggressive | | | | strategically along the bottom of your tank to |
| behavior. You can also train your cichlid to eat | | | | accomplish this. You will also want to replicate the |
| prepared food rather than smaller fish in your | | | | substrate from Lake Malawi because these cichlids |
| aquarium. The other option is to keep your | | | | like to play in the substrate sometimes. Having |
| Electric Blue only with fish are as large, or larger, | | | | the incorrect bottom layer in your aquarium can |
| than they are. They will be safe from your | | | | harm them unnecessarily. |
| cichlid's bite. | | | | |