Bumblebee Cichlid
Description
of the Bumblebee Cichlid
The Bumblebee Cichlid is also known as the Hornet Cichlid. Like
other Cichlids, they are mouth brooders with the female keeping
the eggs safe in her mouth for up to three weeks until the fry
hatch. They have a symbiotic relationship with the catfish
Kampango (Bagrus meridionalis) and are a cleaner fish removing
parasites from the catfish.
Profile of
the Bumblebee Cichlid
This
Profile contains interesting facts and information about the
Bumblebee Cichlid species.
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Size: Up to 10cm
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Fish Tank
conditions:
Temp 24-28 Degrees PH 7.5-8.2
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Diet / Feeding:
Dried, Frozen or Flake Food
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Temperament:
Keep in single species tank with more females than males
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Habitat: Caves
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Behaviour: Very
Aggressive, not a community fish!
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Range: Lake
Malawi, Africa
Scientific
Classification of the Bumblebee Cichlid
Definition: Scientific
classification, or biological classification, is how biologists
group and categorize species of organisms with shared physical
characteristics. Scientific classification belongs to the
science of taxonomy.
Interesting Facts and Information -
How do you identify
the sex of a Bumblebee Cichlid?
The males and females of many fish species have different colors
or different shaped bodies. But there are also other fish
species where there is no visible difference. Its sometimes
tricky being an ichthyologist!
Interesting Facts and Information - Why are Bumblebee Cichlid slimy?
Bumblebee Cichlid secrete a type of mucus, or slime, from their skin.
This slime provides protection against parasites and infections
and helps the Bumblebee Cichlid to move through
the water faster. Some fish species also release
toxins in their slime which ward off enemy attacks. Other fish
species use their slime to feed their young.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do Bumblebee Cichlid have gills?
Gills enable the Bumblebee Cichlid to breathe. Gills consist of thin
sheets of tissue containing blood vessels. As water passes over
the gills oxygen is absorbed into the blood stream Carbon
dioxide passes out into the water. The gills are protected by a
large bony plate called an operculum. Some fish species however
have lungs and breathe air.
Interesting Facts and Information -
Why do the Bumblebee Cichlid have fins?
A fin is an external appendage or "limb" of a fish. Fins are
used for directing, stabilizing, or propelling the different
fish species in water. Numbers of fins vary between fish
species, but there are usually seven. Each of the fins on a fish
are designed to perform a specific function:
-
Dorsal fins - The
dorsal fin is located on the backs of fishes. The Bumblebee Cichlid
has Dorsal fins to lend stability in swimming.
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Ventral fins. The
ventral fin is located on the pelvic area of fishes. The
Bumblebee Cichlid
has Ventral fins to lend stability in swimming.
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Caudal fins. The
Caudal fin is located on the tail area of fishes. The Bumblebee Cichlid
has Caudal fins to propel through the water.
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Pectoral fins. The
Pectoral fin is located on the breast area of fishes. The
Bumblebee Cichlid
has Pectoral fins to for locomotion and side to
side movement
Interesting Facts and Information about
Bumblebee Cichlid
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