Cichlids Handbook for Beginners (Paperback)
Pedro D. Hunter
Sold by Grand Eagle Retail, Bensenville, IL, U.S.A.
AbeBooks Seller since 12 October 2005
New - Soft cover
Condition: New
Ships within U.S.A.
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketSold by Grand Eagle Retail, Bensenville, IL, U.S.A.
AbeBooks Seller since 12 October 2005
Condition: New
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketPaperback. Understanding What Makes Cichlids Unique and Popular Among Aquarium EnthusiastsCichlids are one of the most beloved groups of freshwater aquarium fish due to their striking appearance, fascinating behaviors, and wide range of species. Whether you're new to the aquarium hobby or exploring new types of fish, cichlids are a rewarding choice. This chapter will introduce you to what makes cichlids so special, their natural origins, and why they continue to captivate fishkeepers around the world. 1. What Are Cichlids?Cichlids belong to the family Cichlidae, a diverse group of freshwater fish found primarily in Africa, Central and South America, with a few species in Asia. Scientifically speaking, cichlids are part of the order Perciformes, which includes many other popular fish species.They vary greatly in size, color, shape, and behavior, but all share some common physical features: A single nostril on each side of the head (unlike most fish which have two).A well-developed pharyngeal jaw used for processing food.Advanced parental care compared to most fish species.2. Where Do Cichlids Come From?Cichlids are native to a wide range of habitats, but most of them come from the following regions: Africa: This continent is home to the most cichlid species, particularly from the Great Rift Lakes-Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria. These lakes are incredibly deep and ancient, providing a stable and isolated environment for cichlids to evolve into hundreds of unique species. South America: The Amazon Basin and its tributaries are home to many colorful and popular cichlids like Angelfish, Discus, and Apistogrammas. Central America: Species such as the Convict Cichlid, Firemouth, and Jack Dempsey come from rivers and lakes across the region. Asia: A small number of cichlids have naturalized in parts of Asia due to introduction, but they are not native there. 3. Why Are Cichlids So Popular?Cichlids are highly sought after in the aquarium trade for several compelling reasons: 1. Stunning Colors and Patterns Many cichlids boast vibrant and iridescent colors rivaling marine fish. African cichlids from Lake Malawi, for example, display bright blues, reds, yellows, and purples, often with dazzling patterns and striping.2. Fascinating Behaviors Cichlids are incredibly intelligent and interactive. They often recognize their owners, display complex social interactions, and exhibit unique feeding and breeding behaviors.3. Parental Care Unlike many fish that scatter their eggs and abandon them, cichlids often guard their young. Some species are mouthbrooders, holding eggs and fry in their mouths to protect them, while others guard their eggs in caves or on surfaces.4. Wide Variety of Sizes Cichlids range from the tiny Apistogrammas (about 1.5 inches long) to massive species like the Oscar or Peacock Bass, which can reach over a foot in length. This variety means there's a cichlid suitable for almost any aquarium size.5. Species Specialization Many cichlids have evolved to fill very specific ecological roles, from algae grazers and snail crushers to sand sifters and predators. This specialization allows aquarists to create biotope tanks that replicate the natural ecosystem of specific lakes or rivers. 4. A Challenge Worth TakingDespite their many advantages, cichlids are not entirely "set-and-forget" pets. Some species are territorial or aggressive, particularly during breeding. Water chemistry must often be maintained within specific ranges, especially for African species that require hard, alkaline water.But these challenges are what make keeping cichlids so rewarding. For beginners, many community-friendly and hardy species like Convict Cichlids, Bolivian Rams, an Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability.
Seller Inventory # 9798298004435
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
We guarantee the condition of every book as it¿s described on the Abebooks web sites. If you¿ve changed
your mind about a book that you¿ve ordered, please use the Ask bookseller a question link to contact us
and we¿ll respond within 2 business days.
Books ship from California and Michigan.
If you are a consumer you can withdraw from the contract in accordance with the following. Consumer means any natural person who is acting for purposes which are outside his trade, business, craft or profession.
Information regarding the right of withdrawal
Statutory right to withdraw
You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.
The withdrawal period will expire after 14 days from the day on which you acquire, or a third party other than the carrier and indicated by you acquires, physical possession of the last good or the last lot or piece.
To exercise the right of withdrawal, electronically fill in and submit a clear statement on our website, under "My Purchases" in "My Account". We will communicate to you an acknowledgement of receipt of such a withdrawal on a durable medium (e.g. by e-mail) without delay.
To meet the withdrawal deadline, it is sufficient for you to send your communication concerning your exercise of the right of withdrawal before the withdrawal period has expired.
Effects of withdrawal
If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).
We may make a deduction from the reimbursement for loss in value of any goods supplied, if the loss is the result of unnecessary handling by you.
We will make the reimbursement without undue delay, and not later than 14 days after the day on which we are informed about your decision to withdraw from this contract.
We will make the reimbursement using the same means of payment as you used for the initial transaction, unless you have expressly agreed otherwise; in any event, you will not incur any fees as a result of such reimbursement.
We may withhold reimbursement until we have received the goods back, or you have supplied evidence of having sent back the goods, whichever is the earliest.
You shall send back the goods or hand them over to Grand Eagle Retail, Bensenville, Illinois, U.S.A., without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.
Exceptions to the right of withdrawal
The right of withdrawal does not apply to:
Orders usually ship within 2 business days. All books within the US ship free of charge. Delivery is 4-14 business days anywhere in the United States.
Books ship from California and Michigan.
If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.
| Order quantity | 6 to 16 business days | 6 to 14 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | £ 0.00 | £ 0.00 |
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.