The Daily Cichlid

North American Cichlid Care:

Pictured Left is a typical North American Cichlid Setup, look familiar?

It should because North American Cichlids are Very similar to South American Cichlids in terms of environment, temperament and size. 

Unlike South American Cichlids North American Cichlids Can adapt to Wide and Varied temperature ranges and water conditions

Water Conditions:

Ph 6.0 - 8.6

Temp 20-26C or 65-80F

Ammonia 0 ppm

Nitrates 10-30 ppm (Maximum)

Nitrites 0 ppm

VERY AGGRESSIVE.

Environment or Decor:

Large Heavily planted tank of 100 gallons or more when housing Sunfish, Blue Gills or Rock Bass because depending on the species of Sunfish they can grow between 6-12 inches and prefer to be in schools of 5 or more of their own species. The type of environment these fish like is usually filled with durable and dense plants native to the lake or rivers they come from. Large rooted weeds and leafy plants from their natural habitat usually will need lots of light and lower temperatures. Substrate suitable for a Sunfish tank includes Gravel, River rock, or natural colored sand would be sufficient as substrate. Lastly, large pieces of driftwood or water logged roots Spread throughout to provide cover and security.

Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are related to the Sunfish species and some can grow up to 24-28inches and require a tank of 250- 500 gallons to house one or two with various schools of smaller feeder fish and medium sized tank mates such as full grown Sunfish, Crappy, Blue Gill, Rock Bass and Perch. 

Many North American Cichlids can be found in various bodies of water, rivers, streams, lakes, ponds etc and these various types of waterways and bodies of water can contain phosphates and fertilizers and other pollutants it is best to keep your water pristine so you can keep these fish healthy. For larger scale aquariums it is recommended to use pond filtration because as we all know larger fish produce larger amounts of waste.   

Check the fish profile page for more info on Sunfish and other North American Species.