Citrus cichlasoma

Greetings from the wonderful world of Citrus Cichlasoma! This colorful fish might be exactly what you’re looking for if you have a strong interest in aquarium fish and are constantly searching for unusual species to add to your tank. The Citrus Cichlasoma, with its vibrant colors and energetic behavior, is a true show stopper in any aquarium environment.

The Citrus Cichlasoma is a species of cichlid fish that comes from the rivers and lakes of Central America. With its vivid, zesty colors, it has a unique look that can bring some color to your aquatic setting. These fish have fascinating personalities that can make them enjoyable to watch in addition to their striking appearance.

Understanding a Citrus Cichlasoma’s natural habitat and trying to replicate it as closely as possible are essential to its care. They do best in spacious, well-kept tanks with acceptable companions. You can make sure that these lovely fish are in a healthy and happy environment by being aware of their needs.

We’ll go into more detail about what makes Citrus Cichlasoma such a fascinating addition to your aquarium in this article. You’ll discover all the information you need to maintain these vibrant cichlids in good health in your home tank, from their specific characteristics to their care needs.

Topic Citrus Cichlasoma
Common Name Citrus Cichlid
Scientific Name Cichlasoma citrinellum
Origin Central America
Size Up to 12 inches
Water Conditions pH 7.0-8.0, Temperature 74-80°F
Tank Size Minimum 75 gallons
Diet Omnivorous, pellets, live foods
Behavior Aggressive, territorial
Tank Mates Robust species, avoid smaller fish

Origin and habitat

The citron cichlasoma was first introduced to European aquarists in 1970. It was found in the nearby bodies of water, including the sizable tectonic Lake Managua, and the San Juan River in Nicaragua, Costa Rica. Little lakes created in the craters of dormant volcanoes are home to the lemon cichlazoma.

The renowned ichthyologist, herpetologist, and zoologist Albert Gunther published the first description of it in 1864. Its habitat and appearance were similar to those of Amphilophus labiatus and the big-lipped cichlazoma, which led to frequent confusion. It was not until the 20th century that it was established that the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA structures of these two species differed. There are roughly ten subspecies in the Amphilophus citrinellus species complex. Only nine of them have been described and examined up until now.

The color of the lemon cichlazoma in the wild can vary, ranging from gray to olive-brown with the characteristic vertical stripes of cichlids. Additionally, there are representatives of the colors orange, yellow, white, and pink.

Vibrant hues and noticeable fatty growths are the result of selection and are limited to specific stages of the fish’s life in the wild. Individuals in the wild might have larger lips. Scholars surmise that this phenomenon, which is nonexistent in aquarium specimens, is linked to the dietary choices of wild cichlids.

The habitat of the lemon cichlid is still expanding. Florida, in the American Southeast, is already under its control. The fish that were introduced to Asia have evolved to survive in Singapore’s brackish reservoirs.

Appearance

The citron cichlazoma grows to considerable sizes in the wild; males reach 30-35 cm and females reach 20-25 cm. These are far smaller in an aquarium. In nature, one can expect to live for 15–17 years. Fish can live longer than ten years in an aquarium if given the right nutrition and care.

The fish’s body is large and thick, with flattened sides. There is a depression above the line of the eyes on a large head with large eyes and thick lips. The growing formation of "wen" causes the forehead to protrude more as one ages. The fatty formation is bigger in alpha males than in regular males. A replacement male will emerge from the aquarium if the dominant one is removed, and in due course, his "wen" will grow to a remarkable size.

The kind of food determines whether the citron cichlazoma has a terminal or middle mouth. It searches the middle water layers for prey. The upper and lower jaws should be the same size for this type of oral slit arrangement.

The appearance and coloring of young and adult specimens differ so dramatically that an unskilled amateur may confuse them for distinct species. The background color of the body in young people ranges from gray to olive-blue. There are dark vertical stripes on the sides of the body, and a dark patch is located in the middle of the lateral surface.

The adult’s colors are more vivid. From pale yellow to orange, the background color can change. On their sides and fins, some have dark patches. It is noticeable that lemon cichlazomas are sexually dimorphic:

Characteristics Males Females
Body size larger smaller
Fat growth pronounced less noticeable
Indentation above the eye line more noticeable less noticeable
Dorsal and anal fins elongated into a "pigtail" rounded

The elongated and pointed vas deferens makes it easy to identify the male during the spawning period. The ovipositor of females is shaped like a truncated pyramid with a broad base.

They mature sexually between the ages of 9 and 15 months.

Because fish form pairs at a young age, some aquarists observe that males "mature" earlier than their partners, which can present some challenges in breeding.

If you give the hardy Lemon Cichlasoma the right conditions, it can survive in an aquarium for a very long time. Fish belonging to this breed are territorial and need a minimum of 100 liters, and between 200 and 300 liters for a pair. The reason such a large area is required is because the fish

  • in the aquarium they grow up to 20-30 cm, and for comfort they need space;
  • fiercely protect their territory. The larger the aquarium, the less aggressively the "red devil" behaves;
  • during the spawning period, the male attacks competitors and even females, in order to zone the aquarium and arrange shelters in it, a lot of space is needed.

The "red devil" can break and destroy pool equipment in a small volume, in addition to displaying its full fighting spirit. As a result, every appliance, including heaters and lights, needs to be positioned outside the tank. Because cichlids have a tendency to jump out of aquariums, it’s important to bury the tank with a lid to keep the fish alive.

Cichlasomas have high standards for the features of their aquatic habitat. Given that it inhabits regions with warm climates, the ideal water temperature for the fish is between 22 and 26°C. The "red devil’s" condition is negatively impacted by sudden temperature changes.

A drop in temperature below fifteen degrees can cause the fish to die.

For a cichlid aquarium, a heater with a regulator is an essential piece of equipment.

The water also needs to match the following indicators:

  • hardness – no more than 10-12° (average);
  • hydrogen index – pH-6.5-7.5;
  • lighting – moderate;
  • aeration and filtration are mandatory;
  • weekly replacement – 20-30% of the volume.

Fluorescent lights with a 0.5 W/l power can be used to provide soft lighting. Big fish leave behind enormous amounts of waste that contaminate the ecosystem and alter its features. A pond with citrons should require both an aeration system and powerful filters as part of its equipment.

Since fish dislike strong currents, the aeration system may incorporate compressors with significant power. Specialized pumps are installed in "foreign" cichlid tanks. The equipment’s ability to adequately saturate a sizable portion of the home pool with oxygen while producing little to no noise is what matters most.

Selection of soil and plants

Big, energetic cichlazomas enjoy digging in the ground, building self-made shelters, and pulling out weak-rooted plants. Using coarse sand, medium and large river pebbles, and granite chips as soil will help keep the aquarium’s water transparent. Such a substrate is not very comfortable for plants.

When choosing plants to decorate an aquarium with cichlids, make sure the plants have strong root systems and tough, biting-resistant leaves:

Large plants work best when placed around the tank’s edge, giving room for large fish to swim in the middle. Plants can also be shielded from citron cichlid damage by being planted in underground pots. Fish will need the shade that floating plants on the water’s surface provide, and they won’t be dug up.

Because cichlids enjoy hiding in different types of grottoes, shelters, and snags, you can decorate them with low-key plants like cladophora, Java moss, and Thai or Indian fern. Not only can these plants be used to create a wide variety of aquascapes, but they are also low maintenance, shade-tolerant, and don’t need extra feeding. Their primary characteristic, though, is their capacity to remove organic matter from water—a useful skill when raising fish this size.

To avoid messing around with spoiled plants, some aquarists suggest either not using landscaping at all or using artificial plants for decoration.

Zoning and landscape creation

The pond needs to be zoned using plant plantings so that the fish can live in comfort. Each of the 40×40 cm "screens" made of green material will create a distinct space. Fish can hide from hostile relatives in grottoes, stone piles, driftwood, or other decorative items on the bottom. To lay eggs, place a few level stones close to the walls on the periphery.

Feeding

The fish Citron cichlasoma is a predator. Food high in protein is necessary for its full nutrition. The fish inhabits natural reservoirs that are teeming with small fish, snails, insects, and their larvae. They contentedly consume frozen and fresh protein food in an aquarium:

  • enchytrae;
  • corethra;
  • tubifex;
  • gammarus;
  • bloodworm;
  • artemia;
  • small pieces of fillet of sea fish, crustaceans, mollusks;
  • lean beef, scraped.

A weekly maximum of one serving of beef is permitted. Fish that consume too much meat have trouble digesting it, which can lead to obesity. Food made from plants gives the body fiber and vitamins. Use scalded zucchini pieces, cabbage leaves, lettuce, and dandelions as plant supplements.

Additionally, provide large cichlids with specialized dry food that contains carotenoids and spirulina to preserve the fish’s vibrant color. Foods that are dry are made into pellets, flakes, and granules.

Caterpillars and live worms make a great addition to the diet. They produce healthy eggs and encourage reproduction, making them essential during the spawning season. But because worms are high in protein, you can’t feed them too much to cichlids. Worms should be given once a week.

To prevent the leftover food from contaminating the soil, you must feed the fish in small portions two to three times a day.

Using automatic feeders that will distribute precisely measured portions of food at predetermined intervals is advised by aquarists. Overfeeding can lead to serious health problems.

Diseases

Citron cichlazomas disease is more likely to occur if the conditions of the water, temperature, and nutrition are not met. Hexamitosis is a serious invasive disease that these fish are highly vulnerable to. Erosion and depigmentation patches show up on the body’s lateral line due to the pathology. On the head, ulcers and abscesses develop. Consequently, "hole disease" is another name for the illness.

Abuse of warm-blooded animals’ offal and meat may be the source of infection. Additional causes of hole disease include:

  • non-compliance with the diet;
  • monotonous diet;
  • vitamin deficiency caused by a lack of vitamins C and B;
  • high level of nitrates;
  • acidic pH of water.

Occurs in cryptobiosis and American cichlid fish. Among the disease’s symptoms are:

  • fading and darkening of the body color;
  • "bulging" eyes and blindness;
  • loss of appetite;
  • loss of mobility.

Consequently, the fish perish.

Also read:

  • the smartest aquarium fish;
  • the most beautiful fish for an aquarium;
  • most expensive aquarium fish.

Reproduction

It is recommended by aquarists to keep 5–6 fry of each gender in an aquarium. They form pairs as they grow. At the fry age, a pair is formed very early. Fish without a partner are kept apart. The female’s later sexual maturity could be a breeding problem.

It is preferable to move a pair that is prepared for spawning to a large spawning tank. Male behavior during this time is frequently aggressive. He is even capable of attacking the female in a small container, particularly if she unintentionally swims to the location the male has selected for the laying of eggs.

The male picks and gets ready a location for spawning. Because cichlids deposit their eggs on the substrate, you must add an aquarium glass, a flat stone, or a piece of clay plate. About 2000 eggs are laid on this surface by the female. The size and age of the female determine how many there are.

The male fertilizes the eggs by swimming over the clutch. The male frequently starts to "beat" and bite the females’ fins after fertilization. Breeders of "red devils" in aquariums recommend using specialized spawning boxes or the breeding tank’s perforated dividers.

The clutch is cared for by both parents, who guard, turn over, and arrange the eggs. After a few days, the fry are born, and the fish move them into shelters or depressions in the ground that have been previously prepared. The young eat a unique secretion produced by glands on their parents’ sides from the time of hatching until they are independent.

Once the fry can swim on their own, they are given starter food, which includes:

  • nauplii;
  • brine shrimp;
  • small crustaceans.

Smaller specimens must be regularly sorted by size and kept in a different container to keep them from becoming food for larger ones.

Although keeping a citron cichlazoma is not the easiest task, the fish’s beauty makes up for the time, money, and effort invested.

Cichlids, or Citrus Cichlasoma, are a great option if you’re looking to give your aquarium a little personality and color. This colorful fish adds an interesting and interactive element to your tank in addition to its eye-catching colors and patterns. In this post, we’ll examine the essential characteristics of the Citrus Cichlasoma, such as how to take care of it, what makes a perfect tank, and how to provide a healthy habitat for this fascinating species. Whether you"re a seasoned aquarist or a newcomer, you"ll find tips and insights to ensure your Citrus Cichlasoma flourishes in your aquatic setup.

Photo of the citron cichlazoma

The citrus cichlasoma is a wonderful addition to any aquarium because of its eye-catching colors and gregarious nature. This fish, which is well-known for its striking appearance, adds some color to any tank. It is a favorite of both beginning and seasoned aquarists due to its vibrant behavior and distinctive features.

To ensure the longevity and well-being of Citrus cichlasoma, it is imperative to maintain a healthy environment. Keeping the water clean and having a large tank with lots of hiding places are crucial. This fish will remain lively and active if it is fed on a regular basis and is given a balanced diet.

Citrus cichlasomas are somewhat territorial, but they can flourish and become a vibrant focal point of your aquarium with the right care and tankmates who respect their personal space. It is a rewarding species to care for because of its beauty and behavior, and given the correct conditions, it will brighten your aquatic environment.

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Olga Vishnevskaya

Biologist by education, aquarist by vocation. Specialization — breeding and care of freshwater aquarium plants. Since childhood I have been fond of aquariums, constantly experimenting with creating biotopes and selecting flora for various types of aquariums. I am sure that green aquariums can transform any interior and improve the quality of life.

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