Bandit Cichlid - Guianacara sp.

The Bandit Cichlid is known from the calm tropical waters of inland creeks and the back currents of cascades.  An aquarium for these fish should be furnished with a soft sand substrate and various smooth rocks and driftwood positioned to form caves and visual barriers. We stock a huge selection of fish tank aquarium decorations online.

Features of Bandit Cichlids:

• Males tend to grow larger and develop a humped head
• Distinct stripe covering both eyes
• Minor territorial quarrels between males

The Best Aquarium Size for Cichlid:

The minimum tank size for Bandit cichlids is 75L. A big tank around 220L is very necessary for a community of four to six Bandit cichlids. The tank size is going to affect fish lifespan, the bigger is always the better. The tank should have more horizontal than vertical space.

After an Aquarium for your Cichlid? Browse bigger  Aquarium Tank Selection here.

 

Tank Mate Compatibility:

Bandit cichlids are not suitable for placing into a general community tank with small fish. However, they are very gregarious and should be kept in groups of 6 or more. Tankmates should be of a similar size and temperament, and not overly aggressive.

Great tank mates for Cichlid include:

• Plecos
• Rainbow sharks
• Red tail sharks
• Red eye tetras

 Coburg Aquarium, specialised in different species of live fish.

Feeding :

A quality cichlid pellet, cichlid flakes that sinks to the bottom of the tank should be the foundation of their diet along with supplements of meat and vegetables. Live insects that sink to the bottom are also good, as are live or frozen cichlid food,  brine shrimp and Daphnia, or common water fleas.

Check out our High Quality Fish Foods designed for Cichlid

 

Bandit Cichlid Fish Tank Setup:

Aquarium Filtration

Filters are preferable. These fish can take a decent current, so almost any filtration system will work.

Heater

These tropical fish will need warmer water, so a heater is recommended in some states in Australia. A thermometer is also preferable to ensure the temperature is correct. 

Lighting

Artificial lighting is optional, cichlids may like a system that dims or can be customized to match their native habitat.

Plants for Cichlid

Live plants are a great idea. You should choose only hardy plants because Bandit cichlids have a habit of digging.

• Cryptocoryne
• Java Moss
• Round Leaf Ludy
• Gold Pennywort
• Narrow Lugwida
• Vallisneria
• Anubias
• Double Assorted Anubias Driftwood

Interested in Live Plants for your aquariums? Click here to see more Fish Live Plant

Decorations for Cichlid

Silk Plants, large rocks, caves, and hollow decorations are good choices. And don’t forget the driftwood, Bandit cichlids love driftwood. The more elaborate your setup, the better!

• Aqua Dekore Silk plants
• Aqua One Ornaments Collections
• Kazoo ornaments collections

After more nice quality decorations?  Check our Aquarium Ornaments.

Substrate

An aquarium for Bandit cichlids should be furnished with a soft sand substrate and various smooth rocks.

• Kirby Sand
• Kirby Pebbles

A variety of Substratesare available at Coburg Aquarium.