Peacock cichlid

Peacock cichlid is a small omnivorous fish species. They have a strong adaptability to the environment and are distributed in downstream rivers, lakes, and channels in some tropical regions. Their wild habitats are diverse, mainly inhabiting freshwater basins and lakes. They can tolerate polluted water and have a gregarious nature. Peacock fish have strong adaptability and the most suitable growth temperature is between 22-24 degrees. Peacock fish can be bred in slightly alkaline water with a pH between 7.2-7.4. Peacock fish have elongated bodies with significant differences in size and color between males and females. Male fish have small bodies, measuring 3-4 centimeters in length, while female fish are 6 centimeters long. The tail stalk and tail fin of females account for more than 1/3 of their bodies, and all their fins are shorter than those of males. The front part is slightly wedge-shaped, while the rear part is flattened on the sides. The abdomen of females is swollen and round. The head is medium-sized with a small snout. The eyes are large and positioned laterally, with a relatively straight eye-socket area and snout dorsum. The mouth is small, obliquely slit, and positioned below. The size of the mouth slit is much smaller than the lower edge of the eye.

In 1859, German ichthyologist Peter Wilhelm discovered the peacock cichlid in the Rio Guaire area of Caracas, Venezuela. Therefore, he became the scientist who first described this small freshwater fish. Because the peacock cichlid looks very similar to fish of the genus Heros, Peter Wilhelm named it the peacock cichlid. Peacock cichlids are native to various regions in South America, such as Venezuela, Guyana, the West Indies, northern Brazil, and some islands in the Caribbean Sea. Due to the diverse color patterns of wild peacock cichlids, they are also known as rainbow fish. In the 1930s, wild peacock cichlids were introduced to Singapore to control the mosquito population in mangrove swamps, as they use their upturned mouths to eat mosquito larvae near the water's surface. According to various sources, the culture of ornamental peacock cichlids began no later than the 1950s. Under the competition among Chinese players to raise improved peacock cichlids, the quality of fish such as mosaic, grass tail, and snake pattern can rival that of Japan. In fact, the development of mosaic peacock cichlids is quite different from Japan. The Japanese believe that the mosaic tail should consist of red, yellow, and black colors. In Taiwan, preferences lean towards a red-based black pattern or a blue-based black pattern. The tails and caudal fins are more colorful and abundant.

Peacock cichlids are suitable for feeding by fish enthusiasts. Peacock cichlids have a gentle temperament and can be mixed with other tropical fish. They are usually active and energetic, and female fish are prone to jumping when startled. Peacock cichlids are relatively easy to raise, but in order to obtain colorful and well-shaped fish, they need a spacious water body, plenty of aquatic plants, fresh food, and suitable water quality from the fry stage.

1. Water mold disease

It is found that the fish body grows "white hair". As the disease progresses, the affected area will become rotten, the appetite will decrease, and eventually die. This disease can occur throughout the year.

Treatment methods: A. Soak the diseased fish in 3% salt water once a day for 5-10 minutes each time. B. Soak the diseased fish in a solution of 2ppm potassium permanganate and 5% salt water for 20-30 minutes once a day. C. Wash the diseased fish with a solution of 1-2ppm malachite green for 20-30 minutes twice a day. D. Soak the diseased fish in a solution of 5ppm furazolidone until it is healed.

2. Pinecone disease (pinecone disease)

The scales of the diseased fish stand up like pinecones.

Treatment methods: A. Soak the diseased fish in a solution of 5 parts per 100,000 units of tetracycline water twice a day for one hour each time. B. Mix a solution of 2% sodium chloride with 3% sodium bicarbonate, and the diseased fish should be bathed in the medicine solution twice a day for 10 minutes each time. C. Add 0.5g chloramphenicol per 40kg of water for bathing.

3. Trematode disease

After the fish is infected, it will swim quickly in the tank.

Treatment methods: Put the diseased fish in a solution of formalin and soak it for 20-30 seconds. Then immediately remove and put it back into the original tank. Do this twice a day for 2-3 days to cure the disease.

4. Cold

The fish is motionless, floats on the water, and the skin and fins lose their luster, and the color becomes dull.

Treatment methods: Keep the water temperature constant, soak the diseased fish in a small amount of baking soda or 1% salt solution to increase the light, in order to gradually restore its health.

5. Fish lice disease

There is inflammation and ulceration of the fish skin. When the parasites adhere to the body of the fish, the fish will rub against the glass.

Treatment methods: Put the diseased fish in 1.0-1.5% salt water, and after 2-3 days, the parasites can be eliminated.

6. White spot disease

In the early stage, there are individual small white spots on the fins and body, and the fish has appetite and no significant change in spirit; in the middle stage, the fins and body are covered with white spots, loss of appetite, lack of activity, itching everywhere, and the color becomes dark; in the late stage, white spots cover the whole body , the fish floats on the water surface or sinks to the bottom of the tank. The fish is weak, shaking from side to side, the surface of the body is covered with mucous membrane, it is difficult to breathe, and it dies from suffocation.

Treatment: This disease requires comprehensive treatment, and the effect of medication alone is not significant. Strengthening feeding management is very important. First, stop feeding for 4-5 days to reduce pollution; at the same time, keep the water temperature constant, and it is better to raise the temperature by 2-3°C higher than the original water temperature. Medication can be used appropriately in the absence of aquatic plants, because aquatic plants quickly wither and die when exposed to various drugs.

7. Black spot disease

"Black spots" grow on the fish body, showing gray-white color, fungal filaments and adhesive cells of the wound intertwine and attach, causing tissue necrosis. At the same time, the diseased fish's appetite decreases and eventually dies.

Treatment: In the aquarium where new fish are stocked, a small amount of salt can be added to inhibit the occurrence of water mold. Pay attention to cleanliness and disinfection when putting in live feed. Keep the water clean to isolate the growth of water mold. Generally, preventing the occurrence of this disease is possible.

1. Water temperature: Peacock cichlids prefer slightly higher water temperatures, so it is best for keepers to maintain the water temperature between 22-26 degrees Celsius. Although peacock cichlids can tolerate temperatures as low as 16 degrees, prolonged low temperatures can slow down their growth and development.

2. Water quality: Peacock cichlids prefer weak alkaline or neutral water, and the pH value is best controlled between 7.2-7.4. They can tolerate relatively dirty water, but for the health of peacock cichlids, it is recommended to change the water 2-3 times a week.

3. Feeding: Peacock cichlids have low food requirements, so keepers can feed them some small insects or food scraps. Peacock cichlids have a small appetite, so it is best to follow the principle of small meals multiple times a day. Feed them 2-3 times a day, and the amount of each feeding should be consumed within 10 minutes.