6 Blue Cichlids That Are Sure To Fix That Blue Feeling
If you want a truly fascinating and colorful addition to your freshwater aquarium, consider Blue Cichlids. They are so peaceful and delightful to watch- plus, you have many different species to choose from. Blue Cichlids originate from the warm, freshwater lakes of East Africa, and in captivity, some may live up to ten years.
Six Blue Cichlids that are sure to fix the blues are:
1. Blue Dolphin Cichlid
The most popular kind of Blue Cichlid is the Blue Dolphin Cichlid– but why? The Blue Dolphin Cichlid is unique and resembles a dolphin with its pointy snout. There are some special care requirements of this particular Cichlid, so it may not be ideal for any home aquarist.
The color of the Blue Dolphin is quite exceptional, and striking, so it makes the added effort worth it. These fish are semi-aggressive, so watch what you pair with them, and they are carnivorous mouthbrooders. In captivity, some Blue Dolphin Cichlids can grow up to 10” long and live up to 10 years.
2. Azureus Cichlid
The Azureus Cichlid is striking, the males are dark blue with a light colored stripe long their dorsal fin. The blue in this species is metallic, making them an even more distinctive Hap. These fish typically grow to around 7” long and are mildly aggressive. The males can become more aggressive during breeding, so be wary of what you pair with this species.
Azureus Cichlids are carnivorous meat-eaters. The dominant male of the tank may be aggressive toward smaller males, so larger Cichlids like Peacocks and Red Empress make better tank mates for this Blue Cichlid.
3. Electric Blue Ahli
An Electric Blue Ahli is something special to see- the metallic blue and white flash along their back is quite stunning. These Cichlids typically max out at around 7” long, and they are considered to be mildly aggressive fish.
This species thrives on high quality fish flake and pellet, as well as krill and brine shrimp. Know that these fish will eagerly eat smaller fish in the wild- and even in captivity- if paired incorrectly with smaller fish that will easily fit into the Ahli’s mouth. The Electric Blue Ahli is lauded for being robust and truly spectacular aesthetically, which adds to their popularity. Watch the dominant males for aggression and bullying behavior toward other fish in your tank.
4. Mdoka White Lips
Mdoka White Lips is aptly named for its large white lips that make it recognizable at a glance. Both males and females are dark blue, and typically grow up to around 7” in length. The Mdoka White Lips is considered an aggressive Blue Cichlid that thrives best on quality flake or pellet food.
Due to this species temperament, some good tank mates for Mdoka White Lips include Victorian Haps, Malawi Haps, Malawi Peacocks, and Synodontis.
5. Star Sapphire Cichlid
The Star Sapphire Cichlid also originates from Lake Malawi, but is also widely found in Tanzania. Aquarists seek out this Blue Cichlid for their unusual and beautiful coloring, featuring metallic blues and glittery white markings. The Star Sapphire Cichlid is a generally peaceful, minimally aggressive carnivore that usually grows up to 10” in length, maximum.
The temperament of this Blue Cichlid is best suited to other Haps that are around the same size and temperament for tank mates.
6. Regal Blue Peacock Cichlid
Regal Blue Peacock is an omnivore, though mostly carnivorous Cichlid. With the right care, this species can live up to 10 years in captivity. These fish are deep, vibrant blue with red fins. They are easy to care for and a popular choice among new aquarists and novice hobbyists.
To prevent these Cichlids from eating smaller fish, feed them brine shrimp and plenty of cichlid pellets. Don’t overfeed, however, as this can impact the quality of the water.
Thinking of Blue Cichlids? They are a fascinating and lovely addition to your home aquarium- just be wary of how you pair them with other species. Consider these six popular Blue Cichlids and their distinct characteristics when looking for fish for your freshwater tank!
