{"product_id":"rhoadessi-cichlid","title":"Rhoadessi Cichlid","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Rhoadessi Cichlid\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Rhoadessi Cichlid is a graceful and colourful Haplochromine from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi. Known for its metallic blue face, silver-blue body, and vibrant yellow to orange highlights on the dorsal and tail fins, this elegant species is a favourite among African cichlid enthusiasts looking for a peaceful yet striking display fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003eCopadichromis rhoadesii\u003c\/em\u003e inhabits sandy areas adjacent to rocky reefs, where it feeds on plankton and small aquatic invertebrates. In the aquarium, they are active open-water swimmers that appreciate plenty of swimming space combined with rock formations and caves for shelter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCompared to many Mbuna cichlids, the Rhoadessi Cichlid is relatively peaceful and is well suited to mixed Lake Malawi aquariums containing Peacock Cichlids and other compatible Haplochromines. Mature males display the most intense colours, particularly during breeding, while females remain an attractive silver-grey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProviding a varied diet of premium African cichlid pellets, spirulina-based foods, mysis shrimp, krill, and brine shrimp will help maintain their vibrant colours and excellent condition.\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\u003eCopadichromis rhoadesii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRhoadessi 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\u003e15–18 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 Rhoadessi Cichlids aggressive?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are generally considered one of the more peaceful Haplochromine cichlids but may become territorial during breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Rhoadessi Cichlids live with Peacock Cichlids?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are excellent companions for Peacock Cichlids and other peaceful Lake Malawi Haps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Rhoadessi Cichlids eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey thrive on premium African cichlid pellets, spirulina flakes, frozen mysis shrimp, krill, brine shrimp, and other quality foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow large do Rhoadessi Cichlids grow?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdult males typically reach between 15 and 18 cm, while females are usually slightly smaller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy isn't my Rhoadessi Cichlid showing bright colours?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJuveniles and females naturally display less colour than mature males. Excellent water quality, a nutritious diet, and reduced stress will help males develop their full breeding colours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them in aquariums that are too small\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese active swimmers require large aquariums with plenty of open swimming space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMixing them with highly aggressive Mbuna\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAggressive species may bully Rhoadessi Cichlids and suppress their natural colours.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNot providing enough rockwork\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRock formations and caves help establish territories and reduce stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFeeding poor-quality foods\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA premium diet helps maintain vibrant colouration, healthy growth, and strong immune function.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor water quality\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent filtration and regular water changes are essential for keeping Lake Malawi cichlids healthy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48853888303243,"sku":null,"price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/2c7e3ade-0d21-4aac-90a5-4c2256ec4349.png?v=1785996191","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/rhoadessi-cichlid","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}