Blue electric cichlid - Melanochromis johannii
Scientific name: Melanochromis johannii
Common name: Blue electric cichlid
Family: Cichlidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 12 cm (3.15 - 4.72 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.4 - 8.9
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 25°N (178.57 - 446.43ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: Africa
Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial
Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial
Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels
Feeding
Accepts all common fish food such as granules, tablets, vegetables, beef heart, spinach.
Sexing
Young Johannii Cichlids are yellowish-orange in color. The females will retain the color throughout adulthood while the males develop the shockingly blue color with uniquely patterned markings.
Breeding
This Blue Electric Cichlid exhibits typical mouthbrooding behavior. The female will hold her brood in her mouth until they are old enough to fend for themselves.
Lifespan
10-12 years, usually less.
Origin
The Johannii Cichlid is found in Lake Malawi among the rocky shoreline.
Description
The Blue Johannii Cichlid is extremely aggressive. This cichlid should be kept with other aggressive fish.
Sources
- Aquarium Fishes of the World by Dr. Herbert R. Axelrod, Dr. Warren E. Burgess, Neal Pronek, Glen S. Axelrod, David E. Boruchowitz
- Eyewitness Handbooks: Aquarium Fish by Dick Mills
Pictures
Pictures were provided by Alberto Villarroya. Some pictures were bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.