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| Aquariums And Aquatics, Fishing Tackle and Reptile Supplies Superstore. Including the best Reef One BiOrb & BiUbe Aquarium Tank range around |
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| Aquamania Aquatics |
Providing The Correct Nutrients For Cichlids
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Cichlids are a diverse group of perch-like fishes that range in size from the diminutive dwarf cichlids (apistogrammids and others) up to large predatory species such as the South American Cichla Ocellaris, which may reach 60cm (2 feet) in length.
Our understanding of cichlid nutrition has increased dramatically over the past couple of decades with the intensive culture of various tilapia species (and their hybrids) for human consumption.
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Studies on the diversity of cichlid feeding behaviour and nutrition have come from other sources, including behavioural and evolutionary research on the cichlid flocks of the African Great Lakes. More importantly, for the aquarist, nutritional studies on popular aquarium cichlids such as the discus, angelfish, apistogrammids, and Mbuna have been undertaken by specialist institutions such as the Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition.
Studies on the feeding behaviour and stomach analyses of wild cichlids have revealed a wide spectrum of feeding strategies and dietary preferences. An extraordinary diversity of feeding habits can even be seen within a taxonomically and geographically close-knot group of cichlids - the haplochromines of Lake Victoria.
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Examples of major food preferences of Lake Victoria haplochromine cichlids:
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Food:
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Number of Species that are feeding principally on this food:
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Organic Matter
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16
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Algae and Plants
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12
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Snails
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21
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Zooplankton
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21
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Insects
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29
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Crustaceans
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14
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Fish
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134
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Opportunistic Feeding
Many so-called ‘specialist’ feeders will occasionally switch to other food items if the opportunity arises. For example, studies on wild cichlids in both Africa and South America have revealed that specialist algae/diatom grazers will take mid-water zooplankton at times when this food is abundant. In fact, the complex jaw structure of cichlids enables many species to readily adapt to a variety of foods.
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Cichlid Food
A quality cichlid food must meet the nutritional demands of popular aquarium cichlids and provide the essential amino acids and other nutrients found in the wide range of natural diets that cichlids eat.
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Normal Opening Hours:
Monday - Wednesday: 9:15am - 6:00pm
Thursday - Friday: 9:15am - 7:00pm
Saturday: 9:15am - 6:00pm
Sunday: 10:30am - 4:30pm
(6:00pm closing on Fridays during winter opening hours)
Address: Aquamania Ltd, Kent Street, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB1 1DE
To ensure quality service and training procedures are upheld, all correspondence
concerning website orders, complaints and other queries must be directed through
email only. This is to enable us to respond as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Telephone Order Placement Line: 01254 665662
General Store Enquiries: 01254 663399
Email: info@aquamania.co.uk
Terms, Conditions & Policies
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Cats & Dogs | Fishing Tackle | Live Plants | Live Tropical Fish | Live Fish Food
Reptile Supply | Juwel Aquariums | Reptile Care Sheets | Animal Care Sheets
VAT No. 674 5118 25 | Incorporated in England No. 3959731
Reg. Office 22-28 Willow Street, Accrington, BB5 1LP
© 2005-2007 Aquamania - Aquariums, Reptiles, Pet Supplies, Fishing Tackle
and Aquatics Supply Superstore |
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