OK, I just need to get this off my chest.
"African Cichlid" does not mean only cichlids from Lake Malawi. There are cichlids all across the continent, and most are vastly different in behavior and care needs than those from Lake Malawi. Even within Lake Malawi itself, not all are Mbuna, so they're not all vegetarians.
While Malawian cichlids are one of the most common African cichlids seen in petstores, kribensis and jewels are just as about as common in my area (both riverine species), and some stores even cary such exotics as Lake Tanganyika cichlids, A. thomasi and Lake Victorian cichlids.
Is there any chance we could try to be a little clearer when discussing cichlids from Africa and their needs?
Sorry about this little rant, but I see too much advice given that essentially states all African cichlids should be treated as Mbuna which can be confusing to new cichlidophiles.
Eric
"African Cichlid" does not mean only cichlids from Lake Malawi. There are cichlids all across the continent, and most are vastly different in behavior and care needs than those from Lake Malawi. Even within Lake Malawi itself, not all are Mbuna, so they're not all vegetarians.
While Malawian cichlids are one of the most common African cichlids seen in petstores, kribensis and jewels are just as about as common in my area (both riverine species), and some stores even cary such exotics as Lake Tanganyika cichlids, A. thomasi and Lake Victorian cichlids.
Is there any chance we could try to be a little clearer when discussing cichlids from Africa and their needs?
Sorry about this little rant, but I see too much advice given that essentially states all African cichlids should be treated as Mbuna which can be confusing to new cichlidophiles.
Eric
