The blood orange cichlid is a stunning freshwater fish gaining popularity. Its bright coloration makes it an eye-catching addition to community tanks. Read on to learn proper care and happiness tips for this beautiful cichlid!
Introducing the Blood Orange Cichlid
Blood Orange Cichlid General Info
- Origin: Hybrid cichlid developed from Central American species
- Size: Up to 8 inches long
- Lifespan: 10-12 years with proper care
- Temperament: Moderately aggressive, best in species only tanks
- Appearance: Oval, flattened body shape. Vibrant reddish-orange coloration. Long dorsal and anal fins.
- Varieties: No major varieties, some color intensity differences.
- Price: $10 – $20 per fish
Habitat and Tank Conditions
- Natural Habitat: Lakes and rivers in Central America
- Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
- Water Parameters: 76-82°F temperature, pH 6.5-7.5, soft to moderately hard
- Tank Setup: Fine gravel substrate, rocks and driftwood. Moderate current.
Blood Orange Cichlid Diet and Feeding
- Diet: Omnivorous but prefer meaty foods like shrimp, worms, insects
- Feeding: 2-3 times daily. Offer variety of foods.
Foods:
- Cichlid pellets and flakes
- Frozen or live brine shrimp, krill, worms
- Shelled peas, blanched zucchini
- Dried seaweed
- Occasional treats like live crickets
Blood Orange Cichlid Breeding and Fry Care
- Substrate spawners that form monogamous pairs and display parental care
- Use flat rocks or slate for spawning surfaces in conditioned tank
- Both parents guard eggs and care for free-swimming fry once hatched
- Remove parents once fry are free-swimming to avoid aggression
Common Health Issues
- Susceptible to parasitic infections like ich if water quality declines
- Malnutrition if not fed proper diet with meaty foods
- Aggression and stress if tankmates unsuitable or environment poor
- Maintain pristine water, feed variety of foods, use quarantine
Special Care and Compatibility
- Best in species-only tanks or with very large tankmates
- Can be aggressive toward smaller fish – not suitable for community tanks
- Require strong filtration and weekly water changes
- No special legalities or regulations for blood orange cichlids
Suitable Tank Mates
- Green terror cichlid
- Jack Dempsey cichlid
- Convict cichlid
- Silver dollars
- Large plecos
- Giant danios
- Avoid small fish like tetras
Identifying Male vs Female Blood Oranges
- Males tend to be larger and develop longer dorsal/anal fins
- Males exhibit more intense red/orange coloring
- Females coloring less vivid, yellowish hues may appear on stomach when breeding
Species Count:
Hybrid of two Central American cichlids
Enhancing Color:
High quality foods with carotenoids. Keep water clean.
Max Size:
Up to 8 inches in home aquariums.
Growth Rate:
Relatively fast growing, can reach 6 inches within first year.
Lifespan:
10-12 years with excellent care and tank maintenance.
Care Tips:
Proper tank size, meaty foods, compatible tankmates. Weekly water changes.
Good Pets?
Moderate – require some experience. Stunning appearance.
Best Foods:
NorthFin cichlid pellets, live blackworms, frozen krill.
Preventing Death:
Maintain excellent water quality. Proper nutrition. Use quarantine.
Aggression:
Moderately aggressive, can’t house with small fish. Species only or large tankmates.
Will They Kill Other Fish?
May attack and kill small, vulnerable tankmates, especially when spawning.
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