Lateral Line August 2005.pub - Hill Country Cichlid Club

The Lateral Line Page 13group the Americas has to offer. Male Synspilumswill attain sizes nearing 14 inches intotal length when mature adults.Photo by Ryan HarkemaPicture 6: A South American species, thismale cichlid is Amphilophus Festae, a beautifullygolden and red fish. The Festae is one ofthe few New World cichlids where the femaleis generally considered to be more impressivein color than the male. With as fierce an attitudeas the Midas cichlid, the Festae or RedTerror grows to a size comparable to that ofAmphilophus Trimaculatus, males sometimesreaching 14 inches or greater in totallength. Females remain a few inchessmaller, but also display an attitude thatleaves little room for smaller andweaker tankmates.New World cichlids have a great dealof excitement to offer any cichlid fanaticdesiring to raise a show specimenin a solitary tank, or to breed a pair towatch their magnificent parental instincts.A successful New World tank,whether housing a single specimen, a communityof fish, or numerous grow-out juveniles,will need a filtration system that cycles thevolume of the tank at a minimum of five timesper hour. Many Neotropical tanks requiregreater amounts of filtration, simply for thefact that these large animals create greatamounts of waste. Cichlids such as Oscars andMidas are notorious for not only their outgoingnatures, but for their voracious appetitesand need for consistent water maintenanceschedules to be happy and healthy.I hope this brief discussion of the NewWorld cichlids leaves each of you with atleast a spark of interest in considering atank of these engaging and rewardingfish. With so many species to choosefrom, an avid fish keeper is destined tofind many personal favorites to add to hisor her collection.■ Ryan HarkemaThe Iowa Aquaria Association has a spectacularnewsletter. If you would like to see moregreat articles, visit:www.iowaaquaria.com/newsletter.shtmlArmke’s Rare Aquarium Fisha proud supporter of the HCCCMember discounts:20% off livestockwww.ohiexchange.com/armke/1058 N. Business 35New Braunfels, TX (830)629-1191