Cichlid Tropical
The Many Different Types of Aquarium Fish Foods
Just as food is essential to our health and well being, it is equally important to our friends in the fish world. There are many different types of fish food on the market today. Different species of fish have different nutritional requirements, so researching their needs before buying your fish is essential to selecting the proper food and helping to ensure a long and healthy life for your new pet.
The trick to proper feeding is not to over or under feed, as well as finding which food your fish like best that is also healthy for them too. Treats are great, but you would not feed your child or even yourself a steady diet of just treats, and it is the same way with your new fish. Fish can get fat and lazy just as we can when fed an improper diet, so fish food selection and the amount to feed them is critical when keeping fish in your home aquarium.
Below we have compiled a list of some of the more popular food types available for the wide range of fish in today’s marketplace.
Flake:
Flake food is probably the most common of all of the fish foods that are available to us. There are many different specialty types of flake foods being produced as well. From the generic all purpose tropical flake to the flake specifically designed for certain species of fish, i.e. Goldfish Flakes, Cichlid Flakes, etc.
We like to look for a brand of flake food that is bright in varied colors vs. the bland coloring. But most of all it is important to look at the Protein, Crude Fiber, Crude Fat and Maximum Moisture Content. The fresher the flake the better it is for your fish as well. Many convenient sizes are available, and you can even order bulk amounts of flake food from your local pet shop as well as from a wide variety of internet sites.
Try to look for flakes with better than 45% protein, greater than 6% crude fat (especially for those of you who are into breeding), less than 7% moisture and less than 3% crude fiber is ideal. Most of all remember that all tropical fish need some sort of variety in their diet. Its a good idea to have several different varieties of flake foods near your aquarium, and rotate them from day to day to promote optimal growth, bright colors and overall good health.
Flakes are ideal for most species, especially those that swim at the middle to top layers of your aquarium.
Pellets:
As fish grow they may need something more substantial. For fish larger than 3″, pellets are a good alternative too fill this hearty hunger. Pellets are either of the floating or sinking variety. Again these are usually created as specialty foods designed for certain species of fish, i.e. Cichlids, Catfish, Goldfish…etc.
Pellets can be used in a community tank, and can actually be mixed in with flake or other foods depending on the species you keep. Floating Pellets are great for Pond KOI, Cichlids, Bettas and Goldfish just to name a few. Sinking Pellets like Spirulina Wafers and Shrimp Pellets are superb for bottom feeders, algae eaters and scavengers such as the numerous breeds within the catfish and loach families.
Frozen:
Another type of food that fish seem to be very fond of, is frozen food. Frozen Brine Shrimp or Blood Worms, Black Worms etc… really add to the health of your tank. A great number of species love worms and more meaty foods than flake and pellets can provide. One big caution here with frozen foods, never let foods thaw out and then refreeze and use them. It is one of the surest ways to kill an entire tank of fish in no time. Due to the high protein content of brine shrimp and blood worms do not try to place your fish on a strict diet of frozen foods. Instead, vary your feedings with both frozen and flake and/or pellet foods day to day.
Live Foods:
There are some fish that will never take to flake food, pellets or frozen foods. With these demanding individuals, live foods may be your only option. This usually consists of live brine shrimp, infursoria or other smaller fish. These fish are more commonly referred to as “Feeder Fish”. These feeders are usually plain goldfish, minnows or guppies available for a buck or two a handful at your local pet shop. One has to very careful in not feeding a fish an exclusive diet of feeder goldfish. Due to various health concerns, mixing feeder goldfish with other types of feeders is highly suggested.
Another commonly given live food are simply earthworms dug up out of the garden. You do want to make very sure if you decide to use worms that these are not obtained from a garden that has had pesticide or fertilizers used around the grounds. These harsh chemicals can enter your tank through the worms themselves, and could end very badly. Keep in mind, if you decide you want to use earthworms, make sure that the pieces are not too large, as some fish cannot chew up their foods.
Blocks:
Feeding or Vacation Blocks are usually small, white cakes made up in a various array of designs. i.e. treasure chest, seashell, etc. The fish food is embedded within this block, to be slowly dispersed for your fish to feed on. These will work fine for your days away from home, but should never be used as a full time feeding regiment.
Feeding Times and Methods:
Most fish should be fed two to three times per day. The smaller the fish the more times in a day they will need to be fed. This is especially true with fry (newborns), which may need to be fed very small amounts but 5 or 6 times a day, until they grow larger.
Fish on average only need to be fed amounts that can be completely eaten within 2 to 3 minutes. If after that amount of time there is still food sitting or floating around, you are over feeding your fish. This practice may foul your water, and actually become dangerous to your fish if nitrate and ammonia levels begin to rise. Start by feeding your fish small amounts and watch to see how fast they eat it. If it only takes your fish less than a minute to completely consume the meal, then you should give them a little bit more. It is always a better idea to start with too little food and work up, than it is to start with too much food to begin with. After doing this a couple of times you’ll have a good idea of how much is too much. Whenever possible, it is a good idea to add a bottom feeder or two to your tank. Scavengers are excellent in helping to maintain a healthy tank for those of us who are not always too careful at when and how much we feed our fish.
About the Author
Steven Sannan is currently a member of the http://www.tropicalfishtreasure.com staff, with 35+ years of fishkeeping experience. Experience that includes extensive freshwater, saltwater and pond keeping knowledge.
African Cichlid tropical tank
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2 Tropical Fish African Cichlids * 2″ Electric Yellows from RifterFish.net $18.00 |
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Tetra’s Popular Guide to Tropical Cichlids by Paul V. Loiselle (1995, Hardcover) $21.45 |
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1LB Bulk Bag of Omega One African Cichlid Flakes(Aquarium Tropical Fish Flakes) $18.99 |
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1LB Bulk Bag of Omega One African Cichlid Flakes(Aquarium Tropical Fish Flakes) $18.99 |
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Cichlid Floaters HBH Tropical Pellets Fish Food 1/2 LB $5.25 |
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Cichlid Sinkers HBH Tropical Pellets Fish Food 1/2 LB $5.25 |
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Live Tropical Fish, African Cichlids,Aulonocara Ngara 6-1.5″ $40.00 |
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Live Tropical Fish, African Cichlids,Aulonocara Maulana Bicolor 6-1.5″ $40.00 |
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Live Tropical Fish, African Cichlids,Aulonocara Lwanda 6-1.5″ $40.00 |
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Live Tropical Fish, African Cichlids, Aul. sp. Albino Ruby Red 4″ $40.00 |
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Live Tropical Freshwater Fish -2″ Yellow Lab Cichlid x3 $12.99 |
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Live Tropical Freshwater Fish -2″ Snow White Cichlid x3 $12.99 |
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Live Tropical Freshwater Fish -2″ Red Zebra Cichlid x3 $12.99 |
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Live Tropical Freshwater Fish -2″Red Peacock Cichlid x3 $14.99 |
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Live Tropical Freshwater Fish -2″ Lion Cove Cichlid $14.99 |
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Live Tropical Freshwater Fish -2.5″ Frontosa Cichlid $15.99 |
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Live Tropical Freshwater Fish -2″ Demasoni Cichlid $12.99 |
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Live Tropical Freshwater Fish -2″ PeaCock Cichlid x3 $12.99 |
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Hikari Cichlid Staple 8.8 ozs MINI Tropical Fish PELLET $7.62 |
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The Interpet Bumper Guide to Tropical Cichlids by $4.27 |
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Cichlid — Live Tropical Fish — Electric Blue Jack Dempsey $75.00 |
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AMERICAN CICHLID ASSOCIATION ACA INDEX RARE aquarium tropical fish RARE $13.00 |
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New Cichlid Pellets sticks tropical fish food 50g $2.35 |
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1LB Bulk Bag of Omega One African Cichlid Flakes(Aquarium Tropical Fish Flakes) $18.99 |
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1LB Bulk Bag of Omega One African Cichlid Flakes(Aquarium Tropical Fish Flakes) $18.99 |
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Hikari Cichlid Excel Mini Pellet 8.8 ozs Tropical Fish $13.53 |
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Hikari Cichlid Gold 8.8 ozs Medium Tropical Fish PELLET $8.57 |
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Red Festae Cichlid 2 1/2″ (live tropical fish) $27.99 |
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SF45 NEW African Cichlid 45% sinking 3/32″ 3# fish food tropical oscar saltwater $21.99 |
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Plasma Art : Tropical Aquariums – Cichlids – New Blu-Ray $21.26 |
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2 Tropical Fish African Cichlids * 1.5 in Red Jewel Cichlids from RifterFish.net $18.00 |
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SWIVEL KEYRING I LOVE OSCARS CICHLID CICHLIDS TROPICAL FISH MDK400 $6.01 |
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Tropical Fish African Cichlids, Albino Ruby Red Peacocks, 3 Lot, FREE SHIPPING! $45.00 |
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Tropical Fish African Cichlids, Strawberry Red Peacocks, 3 Lot, 2 1/2″ $55.00 |
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1LB Bulk Bag of Omega One African Cichlid Flakes(Aquarium Tropical Fish Flakes) $18.99 |
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T5 Dual 24″ Lighting Aquarium Light Strip Marine Cichlid Tropical Fish 48W HO $39.95 |
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Tropical Fish African Cichlids, Blue OB Peacocks, 3 Lot, 2″ $45.00 |
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Tropical Fish Hobbyist 2007 CICHLIDS Reedfish DAMSELS $5.95 |
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Hikari Cichlid Staple 8.8 ozs MD Tropical Fish PELLET $7.62 |
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Hikari Cichlid Gold 8.8 ozs Baby Tropical Fish PELLET $8.57 |
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KEYRING OSCAR CICHLID CICHLIDS TROPICAL FISH MDK447 $5.53 |
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BRINE SHRIMP FLAKE CICHLID TROPICAL FISH FOOD 1LB FRESH $22.89 |
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RARE ANGEL FISH THROW PILLOW!!! ICHTHYOLOGIST CICHLID TROPICAL AQUARIUM INTEREST $14.39 |
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Tetra’s Popular Guide to Tropical Cichlids by Paul V. Loiselle (1995, Hardcover) $19.95 |
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BRINE SHRIMP FLAKE CICHLID TROPICAL FISH FOOD 1/2 LB $11.09 |
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OSCAR SWIVEL PENDANT , CICHLID CICHLIDS TROPICAL FISH MDK447 $7.89 |
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2.2 lbs Aqua Master Color Luster Enhancer Food For Tropical Fish Large Cichlid $19.99 |
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red texas cichlid 3″ (LIVE TROPICAL FISH) $24.99 |
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PLASMA ART – TROPICAL AQUARIUMS – CICHLIDS – NEW DVD $21.16 |
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PLASMA ART – TROPICAL AQUARIUMS – CICHLIDS – NEW DVD $24.23 |
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KEYRING I LOVE FRONTOSA CICHLID CICHLIDS TROPICAL FISH MDK481 $4.46 |
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BADGE I LOVE FRONTOSA CICHLID TROPICAL FISH CICHLIDS MDK481 $1.61 |
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HBH SHRIMP PELLETS TROPICAL FISH CICHLID FOOD 1 LB $18.09 |
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Live Tropical Freshwater Fish -1.5″ Tropheous Cichlid $16.99 |
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Frantosa cichlid 3 lot (live tropical fish) $59.99 |
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Tetra’s Popular Guide to Tropical Cichlids by Paul V. Loiselle (1995, Hardcover) $8.50 |
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BURUNDI – 1967 – FISH – TROPICAL FISH – CICHLID – MINT! $1.00 |
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Hikari Cichlid Gold 8.8 ozs MINI Tropical Fish PELLET $8.57 |
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Hikari Cichlid Excel Mini 57g – Tropical Cichlid Food $5.99 |
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Hikari Cichlid Staple Medium Pellet 57g – Tropical Cichlid Food $4.57 |
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Hikari Cichlid Gold Large 250g – Tropical Cichlid Food $13.10 |
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Hikari Cichlid Excel Medium 250g – Tropical Cichlid Food $14.84 |
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Cichlid Sinkers HBH Tropical Pellets Fish Food ONE LB $9.25 |
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Cichlid Floaters HBH Tropical Pellets Fish Food ONE LB $9.25 |
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Cichlid Sinkers HBH Tropical Pellets Fish Food 5.5 LBS $39.95 |
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Cichlid Floaters HBH Tropical Pellets Fish Food 5.5 LBS $39.95 |
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CICHLID GROW FLAKE TROPICAL FISH FOOD 1/2 LB FRESH $11.09 |
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TROLLEY COIN KEYRING OSCAR CICHLID CICHLIDS TROPICAL FISH MDK447 $7.90 |
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Southern Delight Pro Grade Fish Food Live Goldfish Cichlid Tropical Koi 1 Bottle $9.99 |
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Large Festivum Cichlids 5″ (LIVE TROPICAL FISH) $29.99 |
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Premium Cichlid Flake Food For Tropical Aquarium Fish 1kg $30.74 |
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HBH CICHLID TROPICAL FLAKE FRENZY FISH FOOD 1 LB COLOR $20.39 |
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HBH CICHLID TROPICAL FLAKE FRENZY FISH FOOD 1/2 LB $15.49 |
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CICHLID GROW FLAKE TROPICAL FISH FOOD 1 LB FRESH $11.99 |
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CICHLIDS TETRAS PYGMY CHAIN SWORDS COPPERBAND BUTTERFLIES 7/11 TROPICAL FISH $3.60 |
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Red Head Cichlid 3 “(Cichiasoma Synspilum) (LIVE TROPICAL FISH) $29.99 |
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HBH SHRIMP PELLETS TROPICAL FISH CICHLID FOOD 5.5 LB $57.79 |
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HBH SHRIMP PELLETS TROPICAL FISH CICHLID FOOD 1/2 LB $14.39 |
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HBH CICHLID TROPICAL FLAKE FRENZY FISH FOOD 5.5 LB $62.71 |
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HIKARI CICHLID Staples SPECIALISTS’ FOOD TROPICAL FISH Growth Formula 8.8 oz $7.95 |
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HIKARI CICHLID Staples SPECIALISTS’ FOOD TROPICAL FISH Growth Formula 8.8 oz $7.95 |
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HIKARI CICHLID Staples SPECIALISTS’ FOOD TROPICAL FISH Growth Formula 8.8 oz $7.95 |
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HIKARI CICHLID Staples SPECIALISTS’ FOOD TROPICAL FISH Growth Formula 8.8 oz $7.95 |
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HIKARI CICHLID Staples SPECIALISTS’ FOOD TROPICAL FISH Growth Formula 2 oz $4.59 |
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HIKARI CICHLID Staples SPECIALISTS’ FOOD TROPICAL FISH Growth Formula 2 oz $4.59 |
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HIKARI CICHLID Staples SPECIALISTS’ FOOD TROPICAL FISH Growth Formula 2 oz $4.59 |
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HIKARI CICHLID Staples SPECIALISTS’ FOOD TROPICAL FISH Growth Formula 2 oz $4.59 |
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Red Festae Cichlid 4 ” (live tropical fish) $49.99 |
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Hikari Cichlid Sinking Mini Pellet 12 ozs Tropical Fish $12.55 |
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I LOVE OSCARS JUMBO BADGE 60MM CICHLID TROPICAL FISH MDK400 $2.92 |
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Fish Book P Malawian Cichlid Tropical Africa $29.88 |
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SF40b Winter Sinking fish food pellet 40% 22 lb koi oscar cichlid pacu tropical $54.99 |
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5 Lb. Bulk CICHLID FLAKE Aquarium Fish Food – TROPICAL KRIBENSIS ANGELFISH $54.00 |
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2 Lb. Bulk CICHLID FLAKE Aquarium Fish Food – TROPICAL KRIBENSIS Angelfish $28.95 |
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umbriferum cichlid male 5″ (live tropical fish)super rare $59.99 |
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umbriferum cichlid 5″ (live tropical fish)super rare $59.99 |
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Live Tropical Freshwater Fish -2″ Malawi Cichlid x3 $6.99 |
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Oscar Cichlid Tropical Fish Earrings Free Shipping $8.62 |
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Tetra Cichlid XL Sticks 160g Complete Tropical Cichlid Aquarium Fish Food $15.79 |
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Tropical Fish African Cichlids, Ruby Red Peacocks, 3 Lot, 2″ $45.00 |
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AEB-2716 Lake Malawi Fish / Cichlid – sexual rivalry between males, mouth Photo Mugs AEB-2716 Lake Malawi Fish / Cichlid – sexual rivalry between males, mouth fighting Petrotilapia tridentiger Elizabeth Bomford Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in anyway. contact details prints ardea tel and 44 (0) 20 8672 2067 …. |
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Cichlid – Jack Dempsey Photo Mugs LA-1738 Cichlid – Jack Dempsey Aquarium Cichlasoma biocellatum Jean Michel Labat Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way. contact details prints ardea tel 020 8672 2067…. |
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Fish – Checkered Julie Cichlid Photo Mugs LA-1322 Fish – Checkered Julie Cichlid Lake Tanganyika, Africa Julidochromis marlieri Jean Michel Labat Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way. contact details prints ardea tel 020 8672 2067…. |
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Colorful Tropical Discus Fish – 36W x 24H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $51.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
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Colorful Tropical Discus Fish – 36W x 24H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $51.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
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Colorful Tropical Discus Fish – 24W x 17H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
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SETTING UP and MAINTAINING AFRICAN CICHLIDS DVD $11.99 Victoria – Tanganyika – Malawi African Cichlid DVD includes: *History of the African Chichlids and the ancient lakes they come from. aquariums, stands, covers, etc. *Aquarium preparation and installation pointers *Biological Filtration – learn the importance of establishing a natural biological filter. *Mechanical Filtration – Learn what type is best for your style of aquarium *Adding Water … |
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Aquarium TV Jukebox 2 $12.95 The follow up to our popular Aquarium TV Jukebox DVD, AQUARIUM TV JUKEBOX 2 has eight great aquariums, all filmed using high quality Full HD cameras, to turn your television into a spectacular aquarium… Eight very different aquariums to suit every TV and every situation: 1. Freshwater Tank, a relaxing aquarium with wonderful magenta plants, 2. Coral Reef, a superb seawater aquarium with beautifu… |
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Tropical Freshwater Aquarium $14.95 Turn your TV into a tropical freshwater aquarium with these four great warm water tanks… The Tropical Freshwater Aquarium DVD has four very different aquariums for you to enjoy. Ideal to play in the background or as a change from watching TV programmes, just select a track for an endless aquarium on your television. Whether you prefer luminescent discus fish from South America; smaller, diverse … |
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Spectrum Large Fish Formula Sinking 300gm (Catalog Category: Aquarium / Pelleted Fish Food) $25.35 Spectrum Large Fish Formula Sinking 300gm. NEW LIFE INTERNATIONAL – NLS LARGE FISH SINKING 300GMNew Life Spectrum? food is made with highquality easily digestible South Antarctic Krill, Herring, Squid, and New Zealand Mussel protein, and several allnatural colorenhancing ingredients for a balanced diet that boosts immune system function and enhances the full spectrum of your fishs color With the … |