Posted by Preciousspet on March 15, 2003 at 11:14:19:
I have been searching for information on cotton candy cichlids and have come across several entries stating that people should not purchase these fish. I do not understand why, I have purchased 6 cotton candy cichlids two years ago and they have grown into large, beautiful, and peaceful fish. True "Cotton Candy" fish are white with tinges of pink. If there are other colors such as green or blue, covering their entire body, these fish have been tampered with. In regards to my fish the males are white, large and muscular whereas the females are nearly half the size of the males, have white bodies and colorful, iridescent, rainbow-colored, dorsal and pelvic fins. (These are natural colors for my fish have not been "dyed" and their offspring have developed these same colors.) The cottons are hardy fish and are not as susceptible to disease as my blood parrots. The only time that I find them mildly aggressive is during breeding when there are eggs or young fry present. In this case they are then only protecting thier territory. They are doting parents and display the same behaviour as the blood parent in regards to breeding and parenting. They are currently in a 50 g tank with 5 blood parrots and two ropefish. I feel that these beautiful fish have been misunderstood, and if there is any further information on breeding or aquatic care concerning these cichlds, it would be greatly appreciated.
