People with large aquariums often also want large fish. It’s amazing how many people with large or even very large aquariums there are nowadays; otherwise it’s hard to explain why the Tucunaré or peacock cichlids of the genus Cichla, which used to be considered specialist fish and only develop their most beautiful coloration from around 30 cm in length and can grow up to the metre mark, are now enjoying growing popularity not only among gourmets and anglers, but also among ornamental fish enthusiasts. The 16 currently recognized species have one thing in common: as juveniles, they are rather colourless and give little indication of what they will become.
Due to the fact that the aquaristic demand for cichlids has increased so much, there are now also a number of breeders who are involved in the breeding of species, especially those from remote areas. This almost inevitably results in color variants and mutants. After all, Cichla clutches contain thousands of eggs (9,000 to 15,000 eggs have been counted in Cichla ocellaris!), of which only a few survive in the wild, but the majority survive under aquarium conditions. In Cichla kelberi, for example, the breeding form “Spider” was created (see https://www.aquariumglaser.de/en/25-perchlike-fishes/cichla-kelberi-spider-2/).
The breeding form “Royal Silk” has recently appeared on the ornamental fish market and is still traded as a top rarity. The animal photographed is only 8-10 cm long and already looks fantastic! Apart from the frightfulness typical of the genus, we can’t say anything else specific about the fish; the usual rules for keeping Cichla species in the aquarium apply.
For our customers: Cichla sp. Royal Silk has code 637053 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply the wholesale trade.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
