Pet Talk - Nicaragua Cichlid


Animal-World Information about: Nicaragua Cichlid

   The Nicaragua Cichlid is possibly the most beautiful of the Central American cichlids!
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Frankie - 2012-03-21


Been a fish-keeper most of my life and ive had 'Nics' for several years. The pair I have are large. They have bred a few times (not very often though). Recently, I've noticed that the female has grown a huge lump on her forehead (breeding time). However, she has never shown this trait during breeding before. Now the male has grown a small lump on his head too, but additionally, he has grown a massive face plate quite similar to an Orangutan haha! This has made him look a bit strange as he doesn't have the typical face of a Nic now. Has anyone else observed this before?

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Jordan Fairbanks - 2012-03-04
I have a 120gal cichlid tank that has been set up for about 6 months now. I have a male Nicaragua Cichlid who is about 7in long and female Salvini who is about 4in long and they had babys. Most of my other fish ate them before we could gather them and put them in a safer tank. I was wondering if anyone knew what kind of hybrid fish this is or what they would look like grown. I have been wanting to know the best way to successfully breed. Thank you!!!

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mickey lee - 2008-01-18
I got my nics about two months ago(pair)and they have already had a fairly decent clutch. I only paid $20.00 for the pair. I have 5 tanks from a 110 gl to 25 gl and I have to say these guys are my favorite.

Click For Replies (2)
  • Nick - 2010-06-09
    I am looking to buy a few females for my male.
  • mickey lee - 2012-02-11
    It's me again these nics 2008 turned out to be port cichlids but now I have a real pair this time except they are only couple months old.
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Jason - 2007-09-14
Took a lot of waiting to start seeing the wonderful colors that they have. Good thing I saw their parents in the same store. This was all I needed to be convinced that my nics would grow up in one of my showcase tanks. A bit shy, but show themselves when food is present. Very unique fish, considering when visitors (people) see them for the first time and immediately ask, "what kind of fish is that?".

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mike s - 2007-01-21
Beautiful and interesting - brought home 6 unknown, drab, one inchers to my 150 gal densely populated community cichlid tank. A year later I moved two pairings to a 29 gal- 2 years later and I now have about 2000 'nicks' in several tanks - geez! I can expect another 400-500 fry every 5-6 weeks! One inch and larger have no problem co-habitating and growing with much larger cichlids of many varieties.

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Sonia M - 2006-04-11
Won a pair of Nics at an East Coast Aquarium Society auction a few days ago for $20 canadian! These fish are gorgeous! I can't believe I got them so cheap.

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WENDY TURNER - 2005-11-22

WHEN I FIRST GOT MY NICARAGUANS, I PURCHASED SEVERAL. AS THEY STARTED GROWING, TWO OF THESE FISH PAIRED OFF AND STARTED PICKING ON THE REST OF THE GROUP. I GOT RID OF THE REST OF THEM AND KEPT THE TWO THAT PAIRED UP. IT HAS BEEN YEARS NOW AND THE MALE IS ABOUT SEVEN INCHES LONG AND ABOUT FOUR INCHES DEEP, WITH A LARGE HEAD. THE FEMALE IS MUCH SMALLER, BUT STILL OF GOOD SIZE. HER HEAD IS MUCH SMALLER THAN THE MALE. THEY ARE IN A 90 GAL. WITH GOOD FILTRATION. SUNSHINE PEACOCKS ARE WITH THEM, OF WHICH I AM ABOUT TO TAKE OUT AS THERE ARE TOO MANY EGG EATERS IN THE TANK AND THESE FISH ARE READY TO HAVE LITTLE ONES.

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Paul Toronto - 2005-03-19
I got my Nicaragua Cichlid, its been 7 days seems to know who I am, He always come out, and stays infront of me, He is about 2.5-3 inches, and WOW he is getting so pretty, he is already getting the blue/purple colors in his face and top fin! I am really glad I didnt give him back! OH and he is smart! He follows my fingers as I lead him to food!, a Great fish for everyone!

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Ian - 2005-03-14
I have one that is about 5" now. I have a good mix of colorful cichlids in my tank and this is definitely one of my favorites.

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Dawn Huntley - 2004-12-23
I have a young pair in a tank with two young albino oscars and they do well (so far) together. The male is a little more aggressive than the female and has the spot that turns to the lateral line with mood. They are quite attractive!

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