Diamond cichlazoma is a large territorial fish with a high body, flattened laterally. The birthplace of this breed is the reservoirs of northern Mexico and Texas, as a result of which it is also called the "pearl of Texas." It is believed that the fish is able to recognize its owner. A description of the aquarium fish of this breed should begin with their main decoration, which consists of emerald, blue glowing spots that emboss the whole body of the fish in relief, on the gill covers they merge into continuous stripes.
In the aquarium, this beauty reaches a length of 20 cm. Under good conditions, large cichlids survive to almost 20 years. You can accurately determine the sex of a pet at the age of about one year after reaching puberty. The males of these fish are larger, their color is brighter, and their behavior is more aggressive towards members of their breed. With age, a massive fat pillow grows on the male’s forehead. Anal and dorsal fin in female are rounded, in male - pointed.
Features of behavior and conditions of detention
Diamond cichlazoma is characterized by aggressive behavior in relation to representatives of its breed. The struggle of males for their territory can lead to the death of weaker fish, so it is better to contain one pair per 100 liters of volume. Caring for diamond cichlazoma is of little difficulty due to the love of fish to tear the soil in the aquarium.
For this reason, you should choose coarse soil, fairly strong plants and a powerful filter. Plants should be planted in separate pots, protecting from digging with stones that the fish can’t turn over. A diamond cichlazome is suitable for a landscape with a lot of shelters. The following are considered indicators of the optimal composition of water: pH 7.5,
water hardness 10-15 and temperature in the range of 20-28 ° C. When feeding, preference should be given to animal feed, alternating them with plant food from time to time.
Breeding and care of offspring
Young people, when jointly supported, independently choose a pair for themselves, which remains for life. Parents determine their territory, choose a place for the nest and violently guard it from outsiders. A clear sign of readiness for spawning is a change in color.
The caudal half of the body of the fish becomes almost black and the rest acquires a light color. Diamond cichlazoma can sweep up to 1000 eggs on a flat stone, but most often their number is 3 times less. Parental instinct is highly developed in diamond cichlases, the fish will monitor the purity of their nest, earnestly protect the eggs and fry. After spawning, many aquarists advise to leave one fish, as the clarification of relations related to the upholding of parental rights is not excluded. During this period, it is better not to disturb the fish, because cases of eating their own eggs and fry are frequent due to stress.
Diamond cichlazoma needs the right selection of neighbors. For joint maintenance, it is advisable to choose proportional or nimble fish, those that grew together are best to get along. If a pair for diamond cichlazoma was chosen later by the aquarist himself, at first it is necessary to carefully observe how they get along together. In order for the fish to appear in all its glory, in addition to good conditions, it is necessary to pay attention to proper lighting.