Freshwater

110
Part II: Fish and How to Care for Them
Zebra loach (Botia striata)
The zebra loach is very nocturnal in nature and becomes very active at night.
It is a very pretty fish that sports black and greenish tinted stripes. Tankmates
can include danios, rainbow fish, gouramis, small cichlids, livebearers,
and barbs.
The water conditions, tank setup, and nutrition for this species are similar to
that required for clown loaches (see earlier in this section).
African cichlids
Cichlids are native to the Americas, Asia, and Africa. Old World Cichlids
include species from Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, West
Africa, India, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. A few examples of these fish include
jewelfish, orange chromides, and mubuna.
Native species like hard alkaline water. Most species (with a few exceptions)
tend to be aggressive and are best kept in a species tank with their own
kind. Some cichlids require special water conditions — we note them where
applicable.
Although many cichlids have a thick body that can grow quite large, a few
small varieties are suitable for the home aquarium.
Kribensis (Pelvicachromis pulcher)
The West African kribensis is a generally peaceful, rainbow-colored fish. The
kribensis is an omnivorous bottom-dweller. This species can become aggressive
during breeding time and should only be kept with other like-size African
cichlids and catfish.
It should be fed with vegetable-based African cichlid food, and pairs should
be kept in a tank that ranges from 72–82 degrees F in water temperature.
Plants and rocks should be provided so that they can feel secure.
Jewel cichlid (Hemichromis bimaculatus)
The jewel cichlid has a pretty golden color with a dark band traversing its
body length. It should be fed with vegetable-based African cichlid food and
insect larvae and be kept in an aquarium that ranges from 72–82 degrees F in
water temperature. Plants and rocks should be provided so that they can feel
secure.