Ben Qin Actuaries at Play [email protected] African Cichlids Cichlid aquariums are a great way to spice up your workplace or home. If you are in need of any advice, or in need of helping hand in starting up contact the author. with Ben Qin re you sick of boring old goldfish and furry little rabbits for pets? Why not try some African cichlids for a change. These are indeed flamboyant, hardy and A full of character. Not convinced? (How could you not love these delightful specimens opposite!) Originating from the three great lakes in Africa – Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganiyika and 1. Protomelas taeniolatus 2. Sciaenochromis fryeri Lake Victoria, these creatures have made it into tanks in many – Red Empress – Electric Blue of our homes as pets. YOU wiLL NEED: 1x large glass tank (4ft and above); 1x substrate material (preferably fine crushed coral sand); 1x Aquarium Filter; 1x Heater; 1x Air pump with air stone; 1x weekly water changes (1-2 buckets only); many rocks, ceramic pots, slates to create 3. Labidochromis caeruleus 4. Protomelas steveni caving structures – Now just add some fish and your cichlid – Electric Yellow – Taiwan Reef tank should look like the one above. AUTHOR’S OWN EXPERIENCE I have kept and bred these interesting pets for many years now. They are indeed a great alternative to keeping common dogs and cats as pets. Apart from the massive range of colours and species that exist, they are largely territorial creatures. This – Tanzania 6. Cyrtocara moorii is makes it very interesting to watch the different behaviours 5. Protomelas – Blue Dolphin they display, whether they are: • The dominant species establishing balance of power by claiming their territory (e.g. largest piece of rock in the tank, or entrance of a cave which its mates can take refuge in). • The male display of dominance over other males. • Their unique mating dance. • The females’ use of their own mouths as egg incubators and 7. Cyphotilapia frontosa – to protect the young, over many weeks. known as ‘6-Bar Frontosas’ CURRENT COUNT 5x adult, 30x juvenile Electric Blue 5x adult, 15x juvenile Electric Yellow 1x adult 6-Bar Frontosa 1x adult Synodontus Eupterus – ‘Whiskers’ 1x Eastern long-necked turtle Tank view 1x Crown-tail Siamese fighter – ‘Bubbles’ 34 Actuaries March 2014.