{"product_id":"gissel-cichlid","title":"Gissel Cichlid","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Gissel Cichlid\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Gissel Cichlid is a spectacular Lake Malawi Haplochromine renowned for its metallic blue body with an eye-catching green iridescent sheen. Mature males develop brilliant electric blue colouration that can appear turquoise or emerald under quality aquarium lighting, making them one of the most striking display fish for African cichlid enthusiasts. This popular geographical variant of \u003cem\u003ePlacidochromis phenochilus\u003c\/em\u003e originates from Lake Malawi and is highly sought after for its unique colour and relatively peaceful temperament. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGissel Cichlids are active open-water swimmers that thrive in spacious aquariums with rocky caves, open sand areas, and excellent filtration. They are generally less aggressive than many Mbuna species and mix well with Peacock Cichlids, other peaceful Haps, and similarly sized Lake Malawi cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet of premium African cichlid pellets, spirulina-based foods, frozen mysis shrimp, krill, and brine shrimp will enhance their metallic colours while promoting healthy growth and long-term vitality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePlacidochromis phenochilus\u003c\/em\u003e \"Gissel\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGissel Cichlid\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLake Malawi, East Africa\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e15 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSemi-aggressive\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOmnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e300 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e24–28°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e7.8–8.6\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e10–25 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8–10 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLake Malawi Hap and Peacock aquariums\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Gissel Cichlids aggressive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are generally more peaceful than many Mbuna cichlids but can become territorial as they mature, particularly during breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow large do Gissel Cichlids grow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult males typically reach around 15 cm, requiring a spacious aquarium with plenty of swimming room. \u003cspan class=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Gissel Cichlids eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey thrive on premium African cichlid pellets, spirulina flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, krill, brine shrimp, and other high-quality foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Gissel Cichlids live with Peacock Cichlids?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are excellent companions for Peacock Cichlids and other peaceful Haplochromine species with similar water requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy isn't my Gissel Cichlid colourful?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuveniles and females are much less colourful than mature males. Excellent water quality, a nutritious diet, and a stable social hierarchy help males develop their vivid blue-green iridescence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them in small aquariums\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGissel Cichlids require plenty of swimming space to develop properly and reduce territorial behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMixing with overly aggressive Mbuna\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighly aggressive tank mates can stress Gissels and suppress their colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNot providing enough rockwork\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRock piles and caves provide shelter and help establish natural territories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFeeding low-quality foods\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA premium diet rich in protein and natural colour enhancers helps maintain their brilliant metallic sheen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor water quality\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent filtration, stable alkaline water, and regular water changes are essential for keeping Gissel Cichlids healthy and vibrant.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48853888008331,"sku":null,"price":40.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/goB5SzgDVmc3C1xxPk-KGwaCoNQWIsOzuEywsKtuUR1DoDYmKb7EHu6OuIvsixhD8iGOcFqO_nEFdGznttsbnU3CWNCIxuWSpDOYGHQuooP78yuBZ1oYrEkgyGymvh92yK_PI5Dwr5SIK-xFvy8rZJEQkfPne9H5iqIZ-fwMhaJz2FTKCDh9bga.jpg?v=1785995833","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/gissel-cichlid","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}