3x Emperor cichlid red - Aulonocara fire fish - TRIO (1m/2w) DNZ

Among the emperor cichlids, the Aulonocara "Fire Fish" is probably by far one of the most popular color forms. This color morph does not occur in nature and is the proud result of years of selection breeding. However, the original animals are endemic to Lake Malawi, where they inhabit rocky substrates and cliffs. This cichlid is considered less aggressive than other Aulonocara species (apart from love-hungry males) and can be socialized with similar species of the same size from Lake Malawi, such as Placidochromis, Otopharynx, Lethrinops or Protomelas. Nevertheless, one should also keep in mind with these animals that the perch definitely gives expression to its name, as it can behave quite "perchy".

The older the males become, the more intensively they form a bright red color, with bluish shimmering fins, which also show a red and blue honeycomb pattern, the anal fin can be yellow dotted. The flanks are partially colored orange. Females usually lag behind males in color, producing less red with an orange base coloration. Juveniles appear all orange at first and color out with age. Dorsal fin, anal fin, and caudal fin are orange-transparent with reddish speckles in females. The elongated ventral fin rays are white or turquoise in both sexes. "Fire Fish" reach a size of up to 18 centimeters, whereas females remain much smaller.

Aulonocara "Fire Fish" are mouth breeders, where the female takes care of the brood. With a harmonizing pair and a varied feeding with larger live and frozen foods it does not take very long until spawning takes place, where the female lays up to 65 eggs on flat stone plates. The water temperature should be about 27 °C for this. For about three weeks the larvae are carried around by the mother until they swim free and feed on their own. With a size of about 1 cm the young animals can be raised without problems with fine live and frozen food like enchytrae, micro worms and Artemia nauplii, but also dust food. It is recommended to keep these fish in small groups with a clear surplus of females.

Like their forefathers from Lake Malawi, the Fire Fish Emperor Cichlids prefer a well-structured and, above all, appropriately large aqu arium with an edge length of at least 120 cm with fine substrate such as sand, as well as rock and stone structures, as well as pebble areas, which should offer sufficient hiding places and also serve as territorial boundaries and privacy screens. Limestone and a corresponding calcareous substrate are recommended to keep the water values in the alkaline range. Planting with plants other than hard-leaved Anubia and similar epiphytes is not recommended. Fine plants and mosses will be gnawed and dug up by the perches over time

The water values should be if possible as follows: pH value: 7,0-8,5, GH 9-30°, KH 6-30, as well as a temperature of 24-27°C. A very good water hygiene with crystal clear water as well as a good flow serves both the spawning readiness and the well-being of these pretty fish.

Mainly the Aulonocara "Fire Fish" feed on invertebrates, therefore they should be kept only in a species tank. Feeding is done with larger live food and frozen food like daphnia, black and white mosquito larvae, Artemia crabs and others. Red mosquito larvae should be avoided if possible, as they can cause significant digestive problems. However, the fish can also be accustomed to granulated and frozen food. In particular we recommend the Cichfeed from NatureHolic.

Our Aulonocara Fire Fish are German offspring. You will receive a TRIO.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Cichfeed has a grain size of 1.5 mm and is therefore also suitable for larger fish. NH Cichfeed is a soft granulate for mainly carnivorous ornamental fish. It has the same consistency as small crustaceans and insect larvae that the fish eat naturally, and the soft granules protect the fish mouth from micro injuries that can be caused by hard feed granules.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.