African Rift Lake System.

The great rift lakes of Africa are home to a diverse group of aquatic life full of interesting adaptations, coloration and most of all social structure.  Many people are drawn to African Cichlids due to their amazing behaviours and social structure.  Certainly a favorite of fish breeders as most of these Cichlids are great parents and care for their young in unique ways.  These lakes contain very hard water and with rocky reefs and typically stable conditions are considered to be a sort of "inland ocean" with colorful, aggressive fish. The typical set up for a Rift Lake System would be a very large aquarium that is very well filtered and circulated.  Most African Cichlids will attain a very large size and can reproduce quickly and will need plenty of room as well as many rocky formations for hiding in.  There are many different biotopes within the African Rift Lakes, but the typical system would be a rocky aquascape with very little vegetation and moderate to dim lighting. An African Rift Lake System is one that is high energy and colorful and with proper upkeep will have an almost pure appearance.  These systems make excellent additons to an office or waiting room where the social activities of the fish will easily entertain the observer.  The behaviours and breeding within this system also make for great educational tools.  Most African Cichlids will easily adapt to foot traffic in a room and are a good choice for any room even those that are quite busy.

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