Cichla kelberi
The Kelberi Peacock Bass (Cichla kelberi) belongs to one of the smallest fish in the genus Cichla. The maximum size of these fish in the wild is 45 cm, while in the aquarium it does not exceed 30 cm.
The Cichla kelberi live in the Brazilian rivers Rio Araguaia and Rio Tocantins. These rivers are characterised by shallower depths than the Amazon. The fish are fairly attractive and undemanding, so that even beginners can cope with keeping them.
Cichla Kelberi differs from all other fish of its kind by the presence of small light-colored spots on the pelvic and anal fins and the lower part of the tail plumage in adults. The Cichla Kelbury is similar to the Cichla monoculus. The dominant males are yellow or golden in colour, the head is green, the pectoral fins are reddish brown with small light spots, and the gill lids have red-orange markings. The body has three transverse stripes on each side.
The Cichla kelberi fish are aggressive. Keep them in a species aquarium of 400 liters, a group consisting of 4-6 fish. Possible content and in a common aquarium with other types of fish commensurate in size - all fish that can fit into the mouth of Kelbury will certainly be eaten.
Water parameters: temperature 27-29° C, hardness dH 5-15°, pH 5,0-6,5. Quality mechanical, chemical and biological filtration, and increased aeration of the water is required. A small water flow should also be created by routing the water filter outlets along one of the long aquarium walls.
The aquarium should be placed in large snags, floating bushes of plants, as well as plants with a well-developed root system, capable of firmly establish themselves in the ground. Coarse-grained river sand or medium-sized gravel can be used as substrate.
The Cichla kelberi belongs to the carnivorous fish species. In nature, the fish feed on a variety of insects, worms, crustaceans, amphibians and fishes. In an aquarium, the fish are fed with moths, mussel meat, shrimp and fish, and small fish. Feed the fish once or twice a day.
Reproduction
During the spawning period, the female digs a small hole in the ground, in which she subsequently lays eggs. Once the female spawns, the male fertilises the eggs and collects them all to himself in his mouth, where they incubate for about 12 days. During incubation, the male passes water through his gills so the eggs are washed with water all the time, and as a result the eggs do not sour.
Once the fry have hatched, they are in the mouth of their parent for the first time. It is only when the fry have hardened that they leave their father's mouth and begin swimming under the watchful eye of both parents.
The fry are fed live dust and after a couple of weeks they are given artemium. The fry are fed 4 times a day.
