2025 - February - 26

From the Desk of the Tropical Fish Aquarist

Greetings from Tropical Fish Aquarist,

In this installment, we delve further into the crucial aspects to consider when determining the best location for your aquarium, specifically focusing on the factors that have the most significant impact on the health and welfare of the aquatic environment and the fish that inhabit it.

Today, we shed light on the importance of lighting in the aquarium—an often overlooked but no less essential element for maintaining a thriving aquatic ecosystem. We explore various light sources, their usefulness, and the ones to avoid.

Over the first quarter of this century, we've witnessed a significant evolution in the delivery of light, impacting not only our aquariums but also our everyday lives. We've moved from Thomas Edison's original filament lightbulb, through the era of fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent bulbs—responses to escalating energy costs and efficiency considerations—to the prevalent lighting technology of 2025: the LED (Light Emitting Diode).

Early hobbyist aquarists had limited choice in aquarium lighting. Incandescent fixtures using showcase bulbs were the first adaptation, followed by smaller fluorescent tubes fitted onto aquarium covers. However, as the demand for better light spectrums grew, LED technology emerged and swiftly became the standard for aquarium lighting.

In the world of aquarists, the development of optimal growth spectrums can largely be credited to saltwater aquarium hobbyists. Their quest to create the perfect light spectrum and intensity for increasingly popular reef tanks has significantly contributed to advancements in lighting technology.

Another factor that has driven the improvement and availability of lighting is the growing trend of indoor plant cultivation, extending beyond traditional houseplants to include crops grown in hydroponic and aquaponic installations. The specific needs of vegetables and fruit plants adapted for home cultivation have increased the market for grow bulbs designed to meet the stringent requirements of plant growth spectrums.

The convergence of innovative lighting technology and the expanding market for plant growth-promoting lighting has created a large enough market to overcome previous economies of scale barriers.

The modern tropical fish aquarist has reaped the benefits of this evolution, gaining a deeper understanding of the requirements of plants and animals that rely on light delivered to their underwater habitat. The original fish tanks have evolved into integrated habitats where fish and plants coexist and thrive. We're now realizing and utilizing the benefits of live plants for fish in more efficient and effective ways.

Steve Pond,

Tropical Fish Aquarist

Freshwater Tropical Fish of the Week

My First Cichlids - Mikrogeophagis ramierez

When I was a graduate student there was a small fish section in a local pharmacy that was a leader in the fish it was able to obtain.  That was in the mid '70's when all kinds of fish were beginning to become more common.  The pharmacist knew my keen interest in fish and introduced me to a new species he'd just obtained back then it was called the Gold Ram.  It was my first introduction to cichlids, a dwarf South American cichlid at that time known as Apistogramma ramirezi. In between then it has changed its scientific name a few times.

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi, commonly known as the Ram Cichlid or Butterfly Cichlid, is a small cichlid fish scientifically classified in the Cichlidae family. It belongs to the Mikrogeophagus genus and originates from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela and Colombia.

Physical Characteristics:

These fish are renowned for their stunning appearance, with adult males typically reaching 2-2.5 inches in length, while females are slightly smaller. They have a relatively short lifespan of 2-4 years. Ram cichlids display a remarkable array of colors, including vibrant blue, yellow, red, and gold variations. Sexual dimorphism is evident, with males featuring more elongated dorsal fins compared to females.

Habitat Requirements:

Ram cichlids require specific water conditions to thrive. They prefer water temperatures between 78-85°F (26-29°C), with a pH range of 6.0-7.5 and soft to medium water hardness (2-10 dGH). Aquarists should provide a minimum tank size of 20 gallons to ensure their comfort and well-being.

Behavior:

These cichlids are known for their peaceful nature and relatively shy demeanor. They often form monogamous pairs during breeding seasons and are best kept in pairs or small groups. Their social interactions and breeding behaviors are particularly fascinating to aquarium enthusiasts.

Breeding:

As substrate spawners, ram cichlids are exceptional parents. Both male and female actively participate in egg care and protection. A female can lay approximately 150-300 eggs, which typically hatch within 2-3 days. The pair works together to ensure the survival of their offspring.

Diet:

Mikrogeophagus ramirezi are omnivorous fish with a diverse dietary requirement. They thrive on a diet of small live and frozen foods, complemented by high-quality flake and pellet options. Aquarists are recommended to provide multiple small feedings throughout the day to maintain their health and vitality.

What are Mbuna?

The Community

How to add fish - Part 2

In our previous issue, we explored the process of introducing a new fish to an established aquarium, irrespective of the filtration maturity. The process is relatively straightforward: place the unopened bag containing the new fish into the aquarium and let it float for about 20 minutes. Open the bag and introduce a bit of the aquarium water to acclimate the new fish, then close it and wait for another ten minutes before repeating this process. After another ten-minute interval, release the fish into the aquarium, ensuring no fish are accidentally left behind in the bag.

However, the second phase of this process becomes more complex when the aquarium already houses a community of fish that have established a hierarchical structure and defined territories. In such cases, it's crucial to disrupt the existing habitat shortly after introducing the new fish. If possible, rearrange the decorations and hiding spots to level the playing field, allowing all fish—new and old—a fair opportunity to re-establish their order and territories with minimal conflict. This step isn't necessary when introducing the first batch of fish to an aquarium, but it becomes crucial once a community has been established.

Remember that water can make a heavy object appear much lighter to move around.  There are many cases when a heavy rock is accidentally dropped on the bottom and the glass can shatter at the sudden impact. While the rock may seem lighter and easier to move, the weight never changes so a sudden drop of even a small amount can be a catastrophe.

Keep all your attention on the decorations you are moving, slow and steady to ensure there are no sudden impacts of the decorations with the bottom substrate.  The ramifications of a little inattention can be severe.

The new fish may be disoriented or stressed, and without an established territory, they might unknowingly encroach on the domains of the older fish. These disruptions can lead to dramatic shifts in the aquarium's social dynamics, often to the disadvantage of the newcomers.

One effective strategy is to feed the fish shortly after introducing the new members. Older fish will naturally gravitate towards their usual feeding areas, likely overlooking the newcomers in their zeal to eat. During this feeding, rearrange decorations and ornaments to disrupt established territories.

This process forces all fish to re-establish their pecking order and claimed territories, giving the new fish a fairer chance to integrate into the community as equals rather than as targets. This approach ensures a smoother transition and a harmonious coexistence in your vibrant aquatic ecosystem.

Q: What are the most important characteristics of cichlids as a family?

A: 

Cichlids are a large and diverse family of freshwater fish that have several important characteristics:

1. Diversity: Cichlids are one of the most diverse families of vertebrates, with over 1,700 species found primarily in Africa and Central/South America. They exhibit a wide range of body shapes, colors, and behaviors.

2. Parental care: Many cichlid species display elaborate parental care behaviors, such as mouth-brooding (where the female carries the eggs and/or fry in her mouth) or nest-building and protection.

3. Territoriality: Cichlids are generally very territorial fish, often aggressively defending their territories and breeding grounds.

4. Adaptability: Cichlids have remarkable adaptability, allowing them to thrive in a variety of aquatic habitats, from lakes and rivers to marshes and estuaries.

5. Feeding habits: Cichlids have diverse feeding strategies, ranging from herbivores to predators, and can utilize a wide variety of food sources.

6. Social behavior: Many cichlid species live in complex social groups and exhibit intricate social behaviors, such as dominance hierarchies, courtship rituals, and cooperative breeding.

7. Speciation: Cichlids are known for their rapid speciation, with new species often emerging in isolated bodies of water due to their adaptability and territoriality.

8. Importance in aquaculture: Several cichlid species, such as tilapia, are widely cultivated in aquaculture for their food value and ease of breeding in captivity.

Overall, the combination of diversity, parental care, territoriality, adaptability, and social behavior makes cichlids a fascinating and well-studied group of fishes.

Q: Where are the greatest concentraton of mouthbrooding cichlids

A: 

The greatest concentration of mouthbrooding cichlid species is found in the African Great Lakes, particularly Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika.

Here are some key details:

1. Lake Malawi:

- Lake Malawi is home to over 500 species of cichlids, the majority of which are mouthbrooders.

- Some of the most well-known mouthbrooding cichlid genera in Lake Malawi include Melanochromis, Pseudotropheus, and Labidochromis.

- These cichlids exhibit a wide range of colors, body shapes, and feeding adaptations.

2. Lake Tanganyika:

- Lake Tanganyika is considered the oldest of the African Great Lakes and is also home to an incredible diversity of mouthbrooding cichlids.

- Estimates suggest there are over 200 species of mouthbrooding cichlids in Lake Tanganyika.

- Some of the prominent mouthbrooding genera in this lake include Tropheus, Julidochromis, and Eretmodus.

- Lake Tanganyika cichlids are known for their diverse feeding adaptations, with species that are herbivores, planktivores, and predators.

3. Other African regions:

- While the African Great Lakes harbor the greatest diversity of mouthbrooding cichlids, these fish can also be found in other African freshwater systems, such as rivers and smaller lakes.

- For example, several mouthbrooding species are found in the Congo River basin and Lake Victoria.

The combination of the ancient, isolated nature of the African Great Lakes and the evolutionary adaptations of cichlids has led to the remarkable diversity and concentration of mouthbrooding species in this region.

Q: Where are cichlids found. ?

A: 

Cichlids are found in a variety of freshwater habitats around the world, but their greatest diversity is concentrated in certain regions:

1. Africa:

- The African continent is home to the largest number of cichlid species, with the majority found in the African Great Lakes, such as Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria.

- Other African regions with significant cichlid populations include the Rift Valley lakes, the Congo River basin, and the Zambezi River system.

2. Central and South America:

- Cichlids have a strong presence in Central and South America, particularly in regions like Mexico, Central America, the Amazon basin, and the Caribbean.

- Some of the well-known cichlid-containing regions in this area include the Yucatan Peninsula, the Nicaraguan great lakes, and the rivers of Brazil and Venezuela.

3. Asia:

- While not as diverse as the African and Neotropical cichlid faunas, some cichlid species are found in parts of Asia, including the Middle East, southern India, and Southeast Asia.

4. North America:

- A few cichlid species, such as the Rio Grande cichlid and the Texas cichlid, are native to parts of the southern United States and Mexico.

5. Aquarium trade:

- Many cichlid species have been introduced to various parts of the world through the aquarium trade, leading to established non-native populations in some regions.

The primary hotspots of cichlid diversity are the African Great Lakes and the Neotropical regions of Central and South America, where they have undergone extensive adaptive radiation and speciation.

Filtration Options - Part 2

Mechanical Filtration:

The Backbone of Aquarium Health

In the intricate world of aquarium maintenance, mechanical filtration emerges as the fundamental process that transforms a simple water container into a thriving aquatic ecosystem. This critical method serves as the primary mechanism for removing solid waste, ensuring water clarity, and providing the foundation for a healthy underwater environment.

The journey of aquarium filtration is a fascinating tale of innovation and technological advancement. When I first entered the hobby in the 1960s, filtration was remarkably primitive. The original air-driven inside box filter was a simple yet ingenious device—a plastic box filled with fiberglass wool (known as "angel hair") that used an air pump to create water circulation. These early filters operated on a clever principle: air bubbles would mix with water, creating a slightly lighter water volume that naturally rose through the filter, trapping debris in the process.

As the hobby evolved, so did filtration technologies. Key developments included:

• Introduction of charcoal for absorbing water discolorations
• Replacement of fiberglass with polyester wool
• Adoption of coconut carbon for more efficient debris collection
• More sophisticated water circulation methods

The late 1970s and early 1980s marked a significant turning point in aquarium filtration. Larger tanks demanded more advanced systems, leading to innovative designs like the AquaKing, which introduced siphon-based filtration with electric pumps. The Biozonic filter brought another revolutionary approach, utilizing a magnetic drive system that allowed for more efficient water movement and multiple filtration chambers. This design was particularly groundbreaking as it permitted rotating filter materials while preserving beneficial bacteria.

The AquaClear filter system represented the pinnacle of filtration technology. This breakthrough design transformed aquarium maintenance by dramatically reducing power consumption, implementing a waterproof motor, and creating a more efficient water circulation system. It solved many of the previous limitations, becoming the standard for modern aquarium filtration.

Modern aquarists understand that effective mechanical filtration goes far beyond simply removing visible debris. The most crucial considerations now include:

• Maintaining optimal water circulation
• Using multiple filtration media types
• Implementing staggered media replacement
• Preserving beneficial bacterial colonies
• Adapting to specific tank requirements

Choosing the right filter is both an art and a science. Aquarists must carefully consider tank size, fish and plant species, available space, filtration media options, and power consumption. The ultimate goal transcends mere debris removal—it's about creating a balanced, thriving aquatic ecosystem.

Professional aquarists recommend selecting filters with multiple filtration stages and the ability to rotate media types. This approach ensures consistent water quality and provides a stable environment for aquatic life. As filtration technologies continue to advance, we're witnessing an exciting era of aquarium maintenance where science and nature work in perfect harmony.

In our next exploration, we'll delve deeper into the world of biological filtration, uncovering how it complements mechanical filtration to create the ultimate underwater habitat. The journey of aquarium maintenance is a continuous learning process, blending technological innovation with a deep understanding of aquatic ecosystems.

Beyond the Basics:

Advanced Aquarist Adventures

Popular Fish Species that need to stay out of mixed community aquariums - Mbuna

The Fascinating World of Mbuna: Africa's Living Jewels of Lake Malawi

In the intricate realm of aquarium keeping, few fish communities are as captivating as the Mbuna cichlids of Lake Malawi. These vibrant creatures represent far more than colorful tank inhabitants—they embody a remarkable evolutionary story that challenges traditional understanding of fish reproduction and social behavior.

Originating exclusively from Lake Malawi, these cichlids are a unique aquatic phenomenon. Unlike their cousins from other African lakes, Mbuna have developed an extraordinary reproductive strategy that sets them apart from virtually every other fish species. The most remarkable aspect of their behavior is the mouthbrooding process, where females perform an intricate maternal dance of protection and survival.

During reproduction, the female lays eggs, which the male fertilizes. In a moment of incredible maternal instinct, she immediately scoops the fertilized eggs into her mouth, where they will develop for up to three weeks. During this period, the female essentially starves herself, protecting the developing eggs and later the tiny fry. She releases the free-swimming young only when they can survive independently, and even then remains vigilant, ready to reabsorb them at the first sign of danger.

This unique reproductive strategy demands a specialized aquarium environment. Mbuna thrive in high pH waters, approaching levels found in saltwater tanks, typically around 8.2. The tank requires a dolomitic substrate, complex rock formations with numerous hiding spaces, and the ability to support higher fish concentrations than typical community tanks.

For aquarium enthusiasts, Mbuna offer a fascinating challenge. They require careful management, typically purchased in groups to ensure breeding potential. The tanks should be generously sized—72 gallons or larger—and meticulously designed to mimic their natural habitat. Forget live plants; these fish are notoriously destructive and prefer a landscape of rocks and crevices that provide protection and breeding spaces.

The true magic of a Mbuna tank lies in its potential for multi-generational complexity. A well-established aquarium can become a living ecosystem where multiple generations coexist, spawn, and interact. Imagine watching protective mothers, tiny fry navigating rocky terrain, and complex social interactions playing out in a single, vibrant underwater world.

What makes Mbuna truly special is their balance of aggression and social complexity. Unlike many territorial fish, they've developed nuanced behaviors that allow for intricate community living. Their evolutionary journey in the isolated environment of Lake Malawi has created a fish species that continues to fascinate marine biologists and aquarium enthusiasts alike.

For those willing to invest the time, research, and careful maintenance, a Mbuna aquarium offers more than just a collection of fish. It provides a window into one of nature's most remarkable evolutionary experiments—a living, breathing testament to the incredible diversity and adaptability of aquatic life.

Be sure to provide plenty of hiding spaces in your aquarium for your freshwater tropical fish to reduce stress and promote healthy behavior.

Aquascaping freshwater Aquariums

Common plants for a passive community

When setting up a passive community aquarium, choosing the right plants is crucial for creating a balanced and thriving environment. One versatile option is the Amazon Swordtail (Echinodorus amazonicus), a tall and broad-leaved plant that can reach up to 30 cm in height. This plant requires moderate to high lighting, a nutrient-rich substrate or one with root tabs, and prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH, soft to moderately hard water, and regular water changes.

Another vibrant addition to the aquarium can be the Red Ludwigia (Ludwigia repens), a reddish-colored aquatic plant that can grow up to 30 cm tall. To maintain the striking red coloration, this plant requires moderate to high lighting, a nutrient-rich substrate or one with root tabs, and similar water parameters as the Amazon Swordtail, with slightly acidic to neutral pH and soft to moderately hard water.

The Cryptocoryne genus, with its diverse leaf shapes and colors, can also thrive in a passive community aquarium. These plants prefer low to moderate lighting, a nutrient-rich substrate or one with root tabs, and slightly acidic to neutral pH, soft to moderately hard water, and regular water changes.

For a more low-maintenance option, the Java Fern (Microsorum pteropus) is an excellent choice. This hardy, slow-growing aquatic plant can tolerate low to moderate lighting and can be attached to driftwood, rocks, or planted in the substrate. Java Fern adapts well to a wide range of water parameters, including slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH.

Lastly, the Anubias plant is another versatile option for a passive community aquarium. This low-growing, broad-leaved aquatic plant can be attached to various surfaces, such as driftwood or rocks, and thrives in low to moderate lighting. Anubias also tolerates a wide range of water parameters, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH.

When incorporating these plants into a passive community aquarium, it's essential to ensure that the lighting, substrate, and water parameters are suitable for their individual needs. Regular maintenance, such as pruning and removal of dead or decaying plant matter, will also help maintain the overall health and balance of the aquarium ecosystem.

Send in your questions

You can ask questions about keeping fish healthy at: 

tropicalfishaquarist@gmail.com

Kid's Nook

Mbuna are a group of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Malawi in Africa. They are renowned for their vibrant colors, complex social behaviors, and their role in the lake's unique ecosystem. Mbuna species are rock-dwelling, herbivorous fish known for their aggressive territorial behavior and their importance in the lake's food chain. These fascinating fish have captured the attention of aquarium enthusiasts and researchers alike, and their study has contributed greatly to our understanding of evolutionary processes and fish behavior.

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