The Nicaragun cichlazom is rightly considered a unique among the cichlids . And this is due not only and not so much to its appearance.
Description of the Nicaraguan cichlasma
First of all, a few words about the appearance of Nicaraguans. Like all cichlazomas, the Nicaraguan cichlid (a synonym for the name of these fish) has its own unusual and fairly bright color. The back of the body is painted in yellow-brown tones with a pronounced metallic luster. The head and the front part of the drop-like body have a turquoise color of different intensity depending on the age (in young individuals, the color is not so pronounced). The same turquoise color and fringing fins. A dark band passes along the entire body, and the abdomen shimmers with all shades of orange and pink flowers. Fish is very effective.
And now about the features of these fish. Tsikhlazoma, the Nicaraguan one of all cichlids, does not lay down sticky eggs and does not incubate it in the mouth. Usually, fish dig a hole in the ground (small pebbles, granite crumbs or white river sand) and lay the eggs with a handful, constantly mixing it. Although with pleasure can use and any shelter, for example, an inverted flower pot on the bottom of the "pond".
The next distinctive feature of this cichlazoma, which relates, rather to the peculiarities of the content, is plant food in the diet. In the conditions of the aquarium, Nicaraguans eat with pleasure the leaves of dandelion, lettuce, even flakes of oatmeal, although live food (bloodworm, tubule, very small fish) must also be present. Therefore, to plant in the soil of the aquarium plants with delicate herbs does not make sense - they will be instantly eaten.
Compatibility of Cyclazoma Nicaraguan with other fish
About this "character trait" of the Nicaraguan cichlid, which can also be attributed to the peculiarities of this species, it is worth mentioning separately. Nicaraguanka is a relatively peaceful fish, unlike its other relatives, and gets along well with other commensurate inhabitants of aquariums. You can say that she lives by the principle - not fit in the mouth, then you are not food, you can swim.