Cold Water Cichlids

[b0668099]

Ok so my mother in law unplugged my heater about 2 weeks ago (phone charger - Tut). I hadn't noticed as my thermometer has dissapeared somehow. (i am guessing clepto nephew).

Anyway all my fish are fine.

The only reason i noticed was my firemouth seemed a bit pale. Which was worrying me as its one of my favourite fish. But at the same time i noticed my green terror has never looked better.

I live in england and it has been relatively cold here, the tank temp i would guess is around 11'C. How long can cichlids live in cold temperatures. Has this happened to anyone else? I heard at cooler temperatures that fish become less active, this certainly was not true as all behaviours were the same, and the only fish that showed any change was the paler firemouth (who may just be paler as it lost its tank dominance to my convict). we will see when the tank temp is restored to normal.

I know this makes me seem like a crappy fish keeper, but i do take the best of care to make sure they all live long and healthy happy lives.

 

[Spanerman]

Your lucky how about investing in a fish are fun digi thermometer with an alarm if the tamp goes to high/low, just an idea.

Sam.

 

[b0668099]

Your lucky how about investing in a fish are fun digi thermometer with an alarm if the tamp goes to high/low, just an idea.

Sam.

Its a good idea. you say i was lucky, but do they actually die at cold temperature, or does it just negatively influence their metabolism? I understand they are happier at a warmer temp, but its been 2 weeks. Not a single death. Not even close, All are feeding as well as ever.

 

[meguro]

I'm fairly certain they'd be able to cope with a short time period of cold weather/water. Say if there was a 2 or 3 week storm or bad winter etc. Just as they can survive warmer temperatures 30C+ for a short time period too (heatwave etc.). If your tank was to stay around 10-15C for 2-3 months, you would probably have less fish.