Blue Peacock

Blue cichlids are often mistaken for another blue species of fish, the electric blue hap cichlid.

However, the electric blue hap cichlid is less common than the blue cichlid, and the two species have different head shapes.

Although there are some variations in blue cichlids, the fish are all characterized by a vibrant blue color. Stripes of a darker hue run from the gills to the tail fin.

Depending on the fish’s mood, especially during spawning season, the stripes on the male darken.

Due to changes brought by factors such as geographic location and molecular processes, there are several color variations of the blue cichlid.

Some blue cichlids have tinges of red along the anal fin and stripes with lighter shades of blue along the dorsal area.

The color patterns in cichlids affect how the fish choose their mates.

Male and female blue cichlids differ in appearance. Females have a less vibrant bluish gray color compared to the males.

Males have red and orange accents along their fins and a prominent white line that runs through the fish’s spine. Females have light yellow and blue accents.

Young blue cichlids are gray, and as the fish mature, the cichlids start to develop the intense blue color. If a blue cichlid turns yellow, this is a sign of stress.

Typical Behavior

Blue cichlids have aggressive tendencies. The males are more aggressive and territorial than the females.

Aggressive tendencies lessen when the fish are able to exhibit dominance. Adding four females to the tank for every male is helpful in reducing aggression.

Blue cichlids are fast swimmers that like to hide in between cracks and crevices. In the wild, male blue cichlids build cone-like structures in the sand to entice the females for spawning.

Blue Cichlid Care

Blue cichlids are easy to care for as long as you provide the proper environment that the fish need.

The only challenge in taking care of blue cichlids is to look for suitable tank mates because of the fish’s aggressive nature.

Space and hiding places are ideal to give the fish the territory that they need.

Blue cichlids are carnivores and require food that is high in protein.

Disease

Blue cichlids are a hardy fish species and they aren’t prone to disease. However, the fish can still get sick under poorly maintained conditions, or from eating a poor diet.

Some of the diseases that can affect blue cichlids are:

Malawi Bloat

Malawi bloat is typical in freshwater fish when dietary needs are not met. This disease is characterized by an enlargement of the abdominal area that can be seen from any angle. Feces turn whitish and the fish will spit out food.

To treat Malawi bloat, isolate the affected fish in another tank. Make sure your water temperature is ideal and add 1/8 teaspoon of Epsom salt to every five gallons of water for two weeks.

Ich

Ich is a disease caused by parasites that occurs when the right water temperature isn’t met. It is also known as white spot disease and is characterized by the appearance of white nodules on the fish.

The window for treatment of ich is limited so you should constantly observe your fish for signs of this disease.

To treat ich, increase water temperature to  80–85°F. Adding chemicals and salt to the water helps in treatment, too.

Habitat and Tank Requirements

In its natural habitat, the blue cichlid is accustomed to living in shallow, rocky shores, so you should simulate this in captivity by adding rocks to your tank.

Male blue cichlids build cone-like formations from sediments in the rocky areas where the fish are found.

Replicating this environment in a tank will help to make the fish feel at home and encourage breeding.

Tank Conditions

Blue cichlids are powerful swimmers, so space is needed when taking care of the fish.

Males are territorial and need lots of space to lessen the fish’s aggressive tendencies towards other males.

A starting tank size should measure no less than 60 inches by 18 inches by 18 inches, with a capacity of at least 75 gallons.

Maintain a water temperature of 74–82°F with pH ranging from  7.5 to 8.5. Water hardness should be kept within a range of 10–25°dGH.

Blue cichlids are known to produce a lot of waste so it’s imperative that you get a good filtration system for your blue cichlid tank.

To simulate the fish’s natural environment, add a rocky, sandy substrate to the tank. Terracotta pots can be used as an alternative to rocks.

Make sure that your fish have plenty of places to hide, because hiding is part of the blue cichlid’s natural behavior when in the wild.