Cichlida "the snow prince": description and rules of content
Many lovers of aquarium fish dream of exotic beauties. Recently, cichlids are gaining more and more popularity. These are miniature predatory fish that are distinguished by their longevity and incredible agility. Among a large number of various colors, the selection species of the cichlid "snow prince" ("snowflake") stands out majestically.
Description and habitat
Handsome is an albino form of Pseudotrophyus (Sokolof). He is known for his blinding whiteness, and his eyes are a stinging red. Such a fish will undoubtedly decorate any aquarium. The aquatic inhabitant is white in color with a bluish tint. A similar color is inherent in females and males, only the fry is distinguished by a darker tone. Also, some individuals have black edging on their fins.
Under natural conditions, the snowflake cichlid lives in Lake Malawi (East Africa)... The fish hides from large predatory congeners in dense thickets. Determining the sex of the snow prince cichlid is easy. Males are larger than females. The first ones reach a length of 12 cm, while the size of the "girls" does not exceed 9 cm. In addition, males have long abdominal, dorsal and anal fins.
Another feature of males is as follows: the anal fins are decorated with a large number of yellowish specks-eyes. In females, they are noticeable in a minimal amount.
Character
Despite the fact that cichlids are predatory inhabitants of the depths, the white prince is a rather peaceful fish. He easily gets along with other good-natured cichlids. Another difference between the male and the female is his belligerent attitude. The male is very jealous of the presence of another male of his species in the "dwelling". The best option is to have one "boy" and two "girls" in one aquarium. Snow-white "snowflakes" look spectacular against a dark background and are combined with brightly colored fish.
The white prince guards his territory and does not let strangers into the burrow. Cichlids prefer to stay at the bottom of the aquarium, rising to the surface only for food.
Features of the content
Cichlids are unpretentious and, with a competent approach, live for 6–8 years. For the "snow prince" the following living conditions are important:
- voluminous aquarium (at least 150 liters);
- water temperature - 24-27 degrees;
- hardness dH - 8–20;
- acidity pH - up to 8.6;
- regular filtration of liquid;
- weekly change of at least 50 liters of fresh water.
Also for snow-white fish powerful aeration is important. The bottom of the aquarium can be decorated with tall structures made of stones, into which fish can swim. A mixture of gravel with shell rock is perfect as a soil. If possible, the aquarium is planted with plants with large, hard leaves.
Live vegetable combined feed is suitable for albino cichlids. Some individuals love to feast on green salad leaves, while others will gladly accept a piece of raw meat from the owner. Also, "snowflakes" will not give up:
- pieces of raw pumpkin;
- nettle leaves;
- dandelions;
- frozen seafood.
These products must be boiled in boiling water for several minutes before use. Dry food, which contains spirulina (seaweed), is also suitable for snow-white fish.
For feeding, hygrophilous and vallisneria bushes, which are planted in an aquarium, are relevant. These plants are very fond of cichlids.
Reproduction
The snow prince cichlid reaches sexual maturity at 10-12 months. Fish go to spawn in a common aquarium. Experts advise to move a couple ready for breeding to another “dwelling”. On average, the female spawns about 30–90 eggs.
“Mommy” bears eggs in her mouth for 2-3 weeks and during this period she practically refuses food. The fry are not weaned from their parents. They are quite large and are able to independently eat small foods (daphnia, brine shrimp).
For the rules for keeping the snow prince cichlid, see the next video.
