{"title":"African Cichlids","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"placidochromis-phenochilus-star-sapphire-african-cichlid-4cm","title":"Placidochromis Phenochilus Star Sapphire African Cichlid 4cm","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Star Sapphire is the Tanzanian form of Placidochromis phenochilus, prized for adult males that turn deep blue and gradually develop a scatter of metallic white spots like a night sky. It is a gentle, open-water hap from the sandy shores of Lake Malawi. A superb showpiece for a large, peaceful Malawi community.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Males around 20–25 cm (8–10 in); females about 15 cm (6 in)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/em\u003e 8–10 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eNative to:\u003c\/em\u003e Lake Malawi, Tanzanian shoreline\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/em\u003e Open sandy zones with sparse rockwork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDiet:\u003c\/em\u003e Omnivorous, leaning carnivorous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreferred Foods:\u003c\/em\u003e Cichlid pellets, flake, krill, mysis, brine shrimp\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFeeding Habits:\u003c\/em\u003e Small feeds once or twice daily; avoid overfeeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBest with:\u003c\/em\u003e Similar-sized peaceful haps, peacocks, gentle mbuna\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/em\u003e Aggressive mbuna, big predatory haps, fish small enough to eat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAggression \u0026amp; Behaviour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/em\u003e Peaceful for a Malawi cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTerritoriality:\u003c\/em\u003e Low; males spar only around spawning\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/em\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eChallenges:\u003c\/em\u003e Large tank, stable alkaline water, slow colour development\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/em\u003e Freshwater, hard and alkaline\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/em\u003e 24–28°C (75–82°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003epH:\u003c\/em\u003e 7.8–8.6\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHardness:\u003c\/em\u003e 10–20 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFlow:\u003c\/em\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Minimum 450 litres for a group; a 180 cm tank suits adults\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExpect a slow reveal: juveniles are plain silver, males turn solid blue at about 8 cm and the white spotting begins at 10–12 cm, becoming denser with age. Keep one male with several females over a sand bed with open swimming space and a few rock piles. It is a maternal mouthbrooder; females hold 20–40 large fry for about three weeks. Given room and time, it becomes a true jewel of the tank.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64680673935737,"sku":"STF-CICHLID-PLACI-STAR-SAPPHIRE","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/STF-CICHLID-PLACI-STAR-SAPPHIRE.png?v=1790097039"},{"product_id":"black-diamond-madagascar-cichlid-paratilapia-polleni-5cm","title":"Black Diamond Madagascar Cichlid Paratilapia Polleni 5cm","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Black Diamond Cichlid, also called the Starry Night or Marakely, is a velvet-black Madagascan cichlid sprinkled with iridescent blue-white spots. It is heavy bodied, intelligent and surprisingly adaptable. Endemic to Madagascar and endangered in the wild, it suits experienced keepers with a large tank for a single specimen or pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Around 25–28 cm (10–11 in); females smaller\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/em\u003e 10–15 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eNative to:\u003c\/em\u003e Madagascar, widespread across the island\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/em\u003e Rivers, lakes and swamps from cool highlands to lowlands\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDiet:\u003c\/em\u003e Carnivorous, piscivore in the wild\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreferred Foods:\u003c\/em\u003e Cichlid pellets, prawns, mussel, krill, earthworms, whitebait\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFeeding Habits:\u003c\/em\u003e Feed once daily; avoid mammal meat and feeder fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBest with:\u003c\/em\u003e Large robust fish: bichirs, big catfish, Central American cichlids, large barbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/em\u003e Small fish (eaten), conspecifics unless a bonded pair, delicate species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAggression \u0026amp; Behaviour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/em\u003e Predatory but fairly calm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTerritoriality:\u003c\/em\u003e Strongly territorial toward its own kind, especially when breeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/em\u003e Intermediate to Advanced\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eChallenges:\u003c\/em\u003e Sensitive to parameter swings; prone to velvet; needs a big tank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/em\u003e Freshwater, neutral to moderately hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/em\u003e 22–27°C (72–81°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003epH:\u003c\/em\u003e 6.5–8.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHardness:\u003c\/em\u003e 8–25 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFlow:\u003c\/em\u003e Moderate, well oxygenated\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Minimum 450 litres for an adult pair; larger with tank mates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuveniles look plain and grey, with the starry pattern developing over months as the fish grows, so patience is rewarded. This is a long-term commitment that needs a large, well-filtered tank with rockwork and caves, plus small, frequent water changes rather than big ones. Males grow much larger with extended fins; pairs are substrate spawners laying strings of sticky eggs. A rare, characterful showpiece.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64680674263417,"sku":"STF-CICHLID-BLK-DIA","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/STF-CICHLID-BLK-DIA.png?v=1790097041"},{"product_id":"cyphotilapia-frontosa-tanganyika-african-cichlid-4cm","title":"Cyphotilapia Frontosa Tanganyika African Cichlid 4cm","description":"\u003cb\u003eCyphotilapia Frontosa Tanganyika African Cichlid\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cul\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eCare Level: Easy\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTank Size: 88 Gal (400 Ltr) min\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTemperament: Semi - Aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003ePH: 7.5 - 8.5\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 24-26°C (75-79°F)\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eFlow: Slow - Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cb\u003eWhat We Like About This Fish:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cul\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eGreat Value\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003ePerfect for a single species aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eImpressive, but manageable size\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eColouration is outstanding\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e The frontosa cichlid is commonly found in several large lakes in East Africa, including the world’s second-longest freshwater lake: Lake Tanganyika. The fish spends most of its time in the lake’s depths, surfacing only to find food.  Frontosa cichlids have bold colouring, with five to seven dark bands on a pale or dark blue body. These African cichlids are semi-aggressive and have instinctive territorial behaviours. Frontosa are popular with aquarists due to the fish’s ease of care and beautiful colours, despite the fish’s occasional behavioural issues.\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e  Frontosa are Omnivorous – Does well with flake or pellet food. Can be fed freeze-dried or frozen krill or plankton as a treat.","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64946681807225,"sku":"STF-FRONTOSA","price":33.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/Frontosa.png?v=1792505765"},{"product_id":"cyphotilapia-frontosa-red-4cm","title":"Cyphotilapia Frontosa Red 4cm","description":"\u003cb\u003eCyphotilapia Frontosa Red\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cul\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eCare Level: Easy\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTank Size: 88 Gal (400 Ltr) min\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTemperament: Semi - Aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003ePH: 7.5 - 8.5\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 24-26°C (75-79°F)\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eFlow: Slow - Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cb\u003eWhat We Like About This Fish:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cul\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eGreat Value\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003ePerfect for a single species aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eImpressive, but manageable size\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eColouration is outstanding\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e The frontosa cichlid is commonly found in several large lakes in East Africa, including the world’s second-longest freshwater lake: Lake Tanganyika. The fish spends most of its time in the lake’s depths, surfacing only to find food.  Frontosa cichlids have bold colouring, with five to seven dark bands on a pale or dark blue body. These African cichlids are semi-aggressive and have instinctive territorial behaviours. Frontosa are popular with aquarists due to the fish’s ease of care and beautiful colours, despite the fish’s occasional behavioural issues.\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e  Frontosa are Omnivorous – Does well with flake or pellet food. Can be fed freeze-dried or frozen krill or plankton as a treat.","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64946681315705,"sku":"STF-FRONT-RED","price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/Frontosa-Red-3_07532238.jpg?v=1792492499"},{"product_id":"cyphotilapia-frontosa-mpimbwe-3cm","title":"Cyphotilapia Frontosa Mpimbwe 3cm","description":"\u003cb\u003eCyphotilapia Frontosa Mpimbwe\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cul\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eCare Level: Easy\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTank Size: 88 Gal (400 Ltr) min\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTemperament: Semi - Aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003ePH: 7.5 - 8.5\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 24-26°C (75-79°F)\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eFlow: Slow - Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cb\u003eWhat We Like About This Fish:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cul\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eGreat Value\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003ePerfect for a single species aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eImpressive, but manageable size\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eColouration is outstanding\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e The frontosa cichlid is commonly found in several large lakes in East Africa, including the world’s second-longest freshwater lake: Lake Tanganyika. The fish spends most of its time in the lake’s depths, surfacing only to find food.  Frontosa cichlids have bold colouring, with five to seven dark bands on a pale or dark blue body. These African cichlids are semi-aggressive and have instinctive territorial behaviours. Frontosa are popular with aquarists due to the fish’s ease of care and beautiful colours, despite the fish’s occasional behavioural issues.\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e  Frontosa are Omnivorous – Does well with flake or pellet food. Can be fed freeze-dried or frozen krill or plankton as a treat.","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64946681348473,"sku":"STF-FRONT-MPIMBWE","price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/Frontosa-Mpimbwe-5_104830.jpg?v=1792492499"},{"product_id":"cyphotilapia-frontosa-blue-zambia-3cm","title":"Cyphotilapia Frontosa Blue Zambia 3cm","description":"\u003cb\u003eCyphotilapia Frontosa Blue Zambia\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cul\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eCare Level: Easy\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTank Size: 88 Gal (400 Ltr) min\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTemperament: Semi - Aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003ePH: 7.5 - 8.5\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 24-26°C (75-79°F)\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eFlow: Slow - Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cb\u003eWhat We Like About This Fish:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cul\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eGreat Value\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003ePerfect for a single species aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eImpressive, but manageable size\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eColouration is outstanding\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e The frontosa cichlid is commonly found in several large lakes in East Africa, including the world’s second-longest freshwater lake: Lake Tanganyika. The fish spends most of its time in the lake’s depths, surfacing only to find food.  Frontosa cichlids have bold colouring, with five to seven dark bands on a pale or dark blue body. These African cichlids are semi-aggressive and have instinctive territorial behaviours. Frontosa are popular with aquarists due to the fish’s ease of care and beautiful colours, despite the fish’s occasional behavioural issues.\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e  Frontosa are Omnivorous – Does well with flake or pellet food. Can be fed freeze-dried or frozen krill or plankton as a treat.","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64946683478393,"sku":"STF-FRONT-ZAMBIA","price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/Frontosa-Moba.png?v=1792505766"},{"product_id":"cyphotilapia-frontosa-black-widow-3cm","title":"Cyphotilapia Frontosa Black Widow 3cm","description":"\u003cb\u003eCyphotilapia Frontosa Black Widow\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cul\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eCare Level: Easy\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTank Size: 88 Gal (400 Ltr) min\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTemperament: Semi - Aggressive\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003ePH: 7.5 - 8.5\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eTemperature: 24-26°C (75-79°F)\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eFlow: Slow - Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e \u003cb\u003eWhat We Like About This Fish:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cul\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eGreat Value\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003ePerfect for a single species aquarium\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eImpressive, but manageable size\u003c\/li\u003e  \t\u003cli\u003eColouration is outstanding\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e The frontosa cichlid is commonly found in several large lakes in East Africa, including the world’s second-longest freshwater lake: Lake Tanganyika. The fish spends most of its time in the lake’s depths, surfacing only to find food.  Frontosa cichlids have bold colouring, with five to seven dark bands on a pale or dark blue body. These African cichlids are semi-aggressive and have instinctive territorial behaviours. Frontosa are popular with aquarists due to the fish’s ease of care and beautiful colours, despite the fish’s occasional behavioural issues.\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan class=\"Apple-converted-space\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e  Frontosa are Omnivorous – Does well with flake or pellet food. Can be fed freeze-dried or frozen krill or plankton as a treat.","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64946683707769,"sku":"STF-FRONT-BLK-WIDOW","price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/Frontosa-Black-Widow.png?v=1792505765"},{"product_id":"dwarf-jewel-cichlid-hemichromis-bimaculatus-4cm","title":"Dwarf Jewel Cichlid Hemichromis Bimaculatus\u2028 4cm","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Jewel Cichlid is one of the most colourful freshwater fish, with a body that flushes brilliant red spangled with iridescent blue spots, most intensely at breeding time. It is bold, hardy and a superb parent, but has a fierce reputation. Widespread in West African streams, it suits keepers of robust cichlid or species tanks rather than peaceful communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Around 12–15 cm (5–6 in); males larger\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/em\u003e 5–8 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eNative to:\u003c\/em\u003e West Africa, southern Guinea to Liberia\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/em\u003e Small streams and canals with overhanging vegetation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDiet:\u003c\/em\u003e Omnivorous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreferred Foods:\u003c\/em\u003e Cichlid pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, earthworm, spirulina flake, blanched spinach\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFeeding Habits:\u003c\/em\u003e Feed once or twice daily; live and frozen foods intensify red colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBest with:\u003c\/em\u003e Robust, larger tetras, Synodontis, similar West African cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/em\u003e Small, slow or timid fish; shrimp; other jewel pairs in small tanks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAggression \u0026amp; Behaviour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/em\u003e Aggressive, especially when breeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTerritoriality:\u003c\/em\u003e Highly territorial; a pair claims most of a small tank\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/em\u003e Intermediate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eChallenges:\u003c\/em\u003e Managing aggression; pairing adults can end badly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/em\u003e Freshwater, soft to moderately hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/em\u003e 22–28°C (72–82°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003epH:\u003c\/em\u003e 6.0–7.8\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHardness:\u003c\/em\u003e 4–18 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFlow:\u003c\/em\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Minimum 110 litres for a pair; much larger for tank mates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuy a group of juveniles and let a pair form, then rehome the rest: forcing two adults together often ends in a fight. Spawning is easy on a flat rock or flowerpot in slightly acidic water, with both parents guarding hundreds of fry for weeks, and they will drive everything else away meanwhile. Sexing is difficult; males develop pointed fins and blue-netted tails. Rockwork and sturdy plants help. Spectacular in the right tank.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64946724110713,"sku":"STF-DWARF-JEWEL","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/Dwarf-Jewel-Cichlid.png?v=1792492931"},{"product_id":"african-butterfly-thomass-cichlid-anomalochromis-thomasi-5cm","title":"African Butterfly Thomas's Cichlid Anomalochromis Thomasi - 5cm","description":"\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOverview\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe African Butterfly Cichlid is a small, peaceful West African dwarf cichlid that shimmers with iridescent blue and gold spangling, a dark lateral spot and red-edged fins once settled. Shy at first, it becomes bold and interactive, and pairs make devoted parents. From forest streams of Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, it suits planted community tanks and first-time cichlid keepers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAdult Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Around 8 cm (3 in); males larger\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/em\u003e 5–7 years\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eNative to:\u003c\/em\u003e Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, West Africa\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHabitat:\u003c\/em\u003e Shaded forest streams, tannin-stained with leaf litter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDiet:\u003c\/em\u003e Omnivorous\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003ePreferred Foods:\u003c\/em\u003e Quality micro pellets, bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, spirulina flake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFeeding Habits:\u003c\/em\u003e Small feeds once or twice daily; varied live and frozen improves colour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eBest with:\u003c\/em\u003e Small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, Apistogramma, peaceful gouramis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eAvoid:\u003c\/em\u003e Large or boisterous cichlids; fin nippers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAggression \u0026amp; Behaviour\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/em\u003e Peaceful and rather shy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTerritoriality:\u003c\/em\u003e Mild; only defensive around a spawning site\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExperience Level\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/em\u003e Beginner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eChallenges:\u003c\/em\u003e Dull juvenile colour; needs cover and calm tank mates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/em\u003e Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/em\u003e 23–27°C (73–81°F)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003epH:\u003c\/em\u003e 5.5–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eHardness:\u003c\/em\u003e 1–15 dGH\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eFlow:\u003c\/em\u003e Slow to moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/em\u003e Minimum 70 litres for a pair or small group\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinal Notes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuveniles look plain, so buy a small group and let a pair form naturally; the adult colour is well worth the wait. An easy substrate spawner, both parents guard the eggs and fry, and it does not dig up plants. Provide dim lighting, driftwood and leaf litter for a natural West African feel. Males grow larger with fainter black markings. A hidden gem among dwarf cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SimsTF","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64946724274553,"sku":"STF-MISSING-39","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/files\/African-Butterfly-Thomass-Cichlid.png?v=1792492931"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1026\/3124\/4153\/collections\/STF-SHRIMP-BLUE-DIAMOND_356753f9-a899-49f3-8b7f-3ec8d7cced35.png?v=1790245928","url":"https:\/\/birchwoodaquatics.myshopify.com\/collections\/african-cichlids.oembed","provider":"Birchwood Aquatic Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}