Aquarium hobbyists frequently ask, how long do cichlid fish live in captivity? While that depends on both species and individual fish, in general a typical cichlid can live up to 10 years if given adequate nutrition and healthy water conditions - but these fish require an expansive tank in which to reach their full growth potential.
As well as high quality food such as blanched vegetables and freeze-dried or frozen meats to meet their nutrient requirements, aquarium owners must also maintain proper aquarium chemistry by regularly testing pH, ammonia and nitrite levels in their tank water.
Cichlid fishes are opportunistic feeders, eating almost any source of sustenance found in nature. But their evolutionary advantage lies in their pharyngeal mills - boney plates with teeth used to grind up hard-to-digest foods - which allows them to take advantage of various ecological niches and resources without competition for resources.
Cichlid fishes may sometimes display aggressive behaviors. This usually stems from territorial behavior: males will defend and patrol their territories to maintain boundaries and chase away intruders; then display for females through ritualized displays such as flaring their gills and fins to scare off intruders; if this doesn't work then aggression against other fish may ensue.
As these fish are ecto-thermic and cannot produce their own body heat, they require a heated aquarium in which to stay warm. Bright light is also crucial, along with plenty of space to swim freely on. A thermometer should also be kept handy so as to monitor water temperatures accurately.
