CRIMSON TIDE CICHLID – ASTATOTILAPIA LATIFASCIATA 5-6CM

Difficulty:Intermediate Max Growth Size:12 cm Temperament:Territorial, keep with similar types.   Preferred Water Parameters: Temperature: 22-27 degrees celsius pH Level: 7.2 – 7.8 General Hardness: Moderate Diet: Omnivor  Range: Africa: Lake VictoriaReproduction: Mouthbrooder, females incubate the eggs in their mouth until the fry are free-swimming. Easily bred and the fry are easy to raise.  Astatotilapia latifasciata or Crimson Tides as they are commonly referred to in Australia, are only known by that common name in this country, as the Crimson Tide referred to in other countries around the world is actually a completely different fish.These vibrant cichlids that hail from Lake Victoria, and Lakes surrounding, are unfortunately now believed to be extinct in their native habitat. They are a rock dwelling cichlid, so their tank should have plenty of rocks for caves, preferably limestone as this will help to buffer the water to their preferred higher water Ph, similar to that of Malawi’s. They have a relatively mild temperament, and are best kept in ratios of 1 male to 3 females, they reach an adult size of about 13cm.A. latifasciata is an omnivore, and as so care should be taken that it receives a good quality protein enriched pellet in its diet,