Cichlid fish are popular choices among aquarists due to their eye-catching beauty and tropical environment requirements, needing warm temperatures in their tank for survival. While they can still survive up to two days without an aquarium heater in place, their metabolic energy will quickly deplete, eventually leading them down a path toward sickness or disease.
As with any fish species, cichlid life span depends on many different factors, with diet, water conditions and overall health being particularly influential. When cared for properly in an optimal environment, cichlids have been known to live 10+ years on average.
Keep cichlids as pets can be difficult, given their territorial and aggressive behavior - particularly during mating season - as well as needing plenty of hiding spaces from other cichlids; thus it is recommended to keep a pair together.
Another factor affecting cichlid lifespan is how long it takes them to reach full size, which may differ between species and must remain healthy while receiving enough food at all times.
African Cichlids are known for their vibrant colors and distinct personalities. Captive specimens may survive up to 15 years with proper care and environment such as healthy tanks and diet. Popular African cichlid species include Lemon cichlids, Fairy cichlids, Daffodil Cichlids and Frontosa Cichlids.
