Caring for cichlids from the Lake Victoria basin
Cichlids from the Lake Victoria basin are hardy and rewarding when their basic needs are met. The guidance below applies to most of what we offer. Individual listings note anything specific to a species.
Water
Most do well at 76–80°F (24–27°C) in hard, alkaline water with a pH of roughly 7.5–8.5. Stability matters more than perfect numbers, so avoid sudden swings. Keep up with regular partial water changes and test your water often.
Tank setup
Use a tank of at least 30 gallons for a small group, with a sand substrate and plenty of rockwork that creates caves and sight lines. Open swimming space in the middle of the tank suits these active fish. Use a tight-fitting lid.
Feeding
Feed a high-quality cichlid pellet or flake once or twice a day, in amounts they finish within a couple of minutes. Small frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia make a good treat. Avoid overfeeding.
Groups and compatibility
Keep one male with several females to spread out aggression. Keep each species in its own tank. Mixing similar species leads to hybrids, and hybrids cannot help the conservation of a species.
Breeding
Lake Victoria cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders. The female holds the eggs and later the fry in her mouth until they are ready to swim free. Give her a calm, well-hidden space, and try not to disturb her during this time.