If you’re interested in getting into cichlid keeping, there may be a lot of types that are making your mind spin. Cichlids from Central America, Malawi, Tanganyika, and South America are all available. small cichlids, large cichlids that are aggressive, controllable cichlids, and many more.
To help you, we’ve compiled a list of 15 of our favorite cichlid species for home aquariums. We made an effort to provide examples of designs from across the world for various aggression levels and storage tank sizes. All of them are fascinating and colorful, and there are also two variations included for novice dog breeders!
Our 15 Favorite Types of Cichlids: Cichlid Species Guide
Right here it is our 14 preferred sorts of cichlids for fish proprietors of all ability degrees.
Angelfish (Pterophyllum category)
This cichlid standard has been a longtime favorite in the hobby and is currently among the top choices. The most commonly kept plant is Pterophyllum scalare, which has been reasonably fully and accurately duplicated and is easily accessible in a wide range of stunning colours and patterns.
Although an aquarium with angelfish in it is a feast for the eyes, keep in mind that there are quite a few misconceptions about these cichlids. They should not be kept alone because of their complex social structures; a team of at least 5 to 6 fish is needed.
From our modest vantage point, an Amazone biotope container with lots of ground cover and wood would surely make the ideal angelfish setup. Corydoras are a great alternative for container companions because they are hardy enough to be left behind and won’t bother the angelfish.
- Problem degree: Intermediate.
- Personality: Requires peaceful tankmates; however, they will undoubtedly consume tiny fish.
- Minimum storage tank dimension: 40+ gallons.
Discus fish (Symphysodon category)
Like angelfish, discus fish are regarded by many aquarists as the “divine grail”—the monarch of cichlids and possibly the king of all fish kept in fish tanks. It’s not very difficult to keep your discus fish happy, healthy, and balanced if you adhere to their care guidelines.
A discus setting in an Amazon biotope would surely be fantastic. It is possible to add some plants, but keep in mind that these fish require warm, somewhat acidic, and soft water.
- Trouble degree: Intermediate.
- Personality: Requires peaceful tankmates; however, they will undoubtedly consume little fish.
- Minimum container dimension: 40+ gallons for one validated set.
Electric Blue Cichlid (Sciaenochromis fryer)
If you have some fishkeeping experience and are seeking to set up a Malawi fish tank, this mouthbrooding Malawi cichlid variety is a great choice because its males are known as electrical blue haps. This fish needs tough water with a basic pH, a sandy substrate, and lots of rock heaps.
If you’re interested in keeping electrical blue cichlids, keep in mind that you’ll need to find numerous women for every man to prevent stress and anxiety reproduction. While tankmates present a possibility, they also preclude anything that is smaller than the cichlids themselves. If you don’t want a single variety arrangement, look for Malawi cichlids that grow to a similar size and aren’t aggressive.
- Trouble degree: Intermediate.
- Character: Intermediate. Not exceptionally hostile yet will certainly consume smaller-sized fish.
- Minimum container dimension: 70+ gallons for a bit of harem.
Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata)
If you’re willing to set up a single sort of container, convict cichlids might be the ideal alternative for you. Innocent aquarists are frequently sold on these candy-striped Central American cichlids as the ideal local fish. They play poorly and are hostile instead.
To minimize territorial aggression, be prepared to buy a much larger container if you want to keep more than you need. Water worths are not a major issue as long as you regularly alter the water and keep the points stable.
- Problem degree: Easy.
- Personality: Can be rather hostile.
- Minimum container dimension: 20+ gallons for a reproducing set without tankmates.
Cockatoo Cichlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides)
This colorful South American fish isn’t given the nickname “cockatoo cichlid” by accident. Men can develop striking yellow-orange pigmentation on their dorsal fins, which resemble crests and are blinked during combat or reproduction time. This cichlid is a great choice for beginners due to its modest size and also fairly simple maintenance.
A set of cockatoo cichlids should fit in a long aquarium that is at least 20 gallons long. As long as no venomous varieties exist, these dwarf cichlids can be kept in a setup because they are not as aggressive.
Look into our Apistogramma Cichlid overview if you’re interested in discovering more concerning these remarkable varieties!
- Trouble degree: Easy.
- Character: Not as well poor, ideal for some areas.
- Minimum container dimension: 20+ gallons for one set.
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara jacobfreibergi)
Aulonocara, another exceptionally colored group from Lake Malawi, is more commonly known as peacock cichlids. Every subspecies is beautiful. Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, often known as the Malawi butterfly or the African butterfly peacock, must be among the most amazing of all. Men typically have a stunning combination of orange and blue as well as elegant upright preventing. However, there are many fantastic shade ranges available.
Keep the pH high and the water hard; you can use some plants that often grow in Lake Malawi, like Vallisneria. Due to the temperament of this fish, your options for tankmates are somewhat limited. Similar to electrical blue cichlids, larger Pleco species that can handle these water temperatures, however, would be a better option.
- Trouble degree: Intermediate.
- Character: Moderate.
- Minimum container dimension: 50+ gallons for a tiny harem.
Yellow Lab Cichlid (Labidochromis caeruleus)
The mouthbrooding electrical yellow cichlid, often known as the yellow laboratory cichlid, is a Mbuna variety that cichlid keepers like for its composure. Make sure to keep many women for every male because they can be sought out instead throughout the stressful time of childbirth.
Give the electrical yellow cichlid a habitat that closely resembles its natural habitat by including lots of rock formations and a light sand bottom. Maintain both the hardness of the water and the pH norm.
- Problem degree: Easy.
- Personality: Feisty, however excusable.
- Minimum container dimension: 40+ gallons for a tiny harem.
Oscar cichlid (Astronotus ocellatus)
Oscar cichlids are among the most well-known cichlid species there are, and for good reason. But before you head out to the fish store to get your very own Oscar cichlid, do your research.
Off, the size of the storage tank. Different minimum container sizes have been suggested for this fish, with some websites advising setups as small as 30 gallons. For one scenario, you’ll need a container that holds at least 120 gallons.
Overall, Oscar cichlids are lovely species that are not difficult to maintain. However, you shouldn’t believe everything you see when looking at them.
- Problem degree: Intermediate.
- Personality: Not also hostile yet will certainly consume smaller-sized fish.
- Minimum storage tank dimension: 120+ gallons for one set.
Kribensis cichlid (Pelvicachromis pulcher)
The kribensis cichlid reproduces superbly for beginners, just like found-guilty cichlids. Overall, though, kribensis cichlids are excellent choices for beginners and their reproduction processes are fascinating to watch.
Keep in mind that kribensis cichlids grow aggressive during reproducing if you’re interested in keeping them. However, in order to avoid issues, the largest containers often keep to only one pair.
- Trouble degree: Easy.
- Character: Aggressive when reproducing.
- Minimum storage tank dimension: 20+ gallons for one set.
Frontosa cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa)
We’ve discussed a number of Lake Malawi cichlids, but as you can see, Malawi is not the only African lake that is home to a number of well-known cichlid species. Additionally, several species, including Cyphotilapia frontosa, refer to Lake Tanganyika as their home (likewise merely referred to as the frontosa cichlid). The most enormous home fish tanks are not the right place for this humpheaded kind, but if you have the space, it’s unquestionably a great choice.
Keep your fronts in groups of at least five fish, preferably mostly females. Other Tanganyika cichlids can make great tank companions, but keep in mind that this is an active predator.
- Problem degree: Intermediate.
- Personality: Relatively tranquil yet a devoted killer.
- Minimum container dimension: 200+ gallons for a team.
Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis bimaculatus)
A different subspecies of African cichlid, unrelated to the broken lakes. Cichlids known as “gems” have magnificent red coloring with blue spots and a yellow tail fin, truly living up to their name. They are unsuitable for the majority of local storage tanks due to their hostile nature (especially during the reproducing period). However, if you’re willing to put up a single kinds of tank, their stunning colors and fascinating behaviors make up for this issue.
If keeping gem cichlids is something you’re interested in, be sure to get a confirmed set. Offer fantastic discounts on hides and use a sandy substrate because these fish enjoy digging. Without a doubt, plants will be cherished. Try severe varieties like Java brush and Anubias instead, which do not grow in dirt and cannot be rooted out, as the majority will definitely be handled ruthlessly.
- Problem degree: Intermediate.
- Character: Very hostile, beware!
- Minimum container dimension: 30+ gallons for a validated set.
Venustus cichlid (Nimbochromis venustus)
Venustus cichlids are a fairly diverse group of fish from Lake Malawi that are frequently kept for their stunning blue-yellow reproductive coloration and laid-back personalities. In addition, you could hear them referred to as “venustus haps” because they belong to the Haplochromine cichlid species.
If you’re interested in keeping venustus cichlids, it’s important to keep in mind that the men are not the best group players and can occasionally get antagonistic. You might want to keep it to one sample, all women, or at the very least many women for each man. Provide a lot of hiding places, but be sure to give space for swimming as well.
- Problem degree: Intermediate.
- Character: Males can end up being excessively hostile. Furthermore, these will undoubtedly consume any little fish they can capture.
- Minimum storage tank dimension: 70+ gallons for a solitary sampling.
Firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki)
We are moving from Africa to Central America, where the well-known firemouth cichlid normally dwells in a variety of habitat types. This fascinating species is named for the red area on its throat, which spreads during territorial disputes.
They typically occur in areas where the fire mouth cichlid may also be found, and they are large enough to avoid being eaten. The cichlids will surely eat fry, which helps ease congestion.
- Trouble degree: Easy.
- Character: Can be territorial, will undoubtedly consume smaller-sized fish.
- Minimum container dimension: 40+ gallons for a set.
Jack Dempsey cichlid (Rocio octofasciata)
The colorful Jack Dempsey cichlid is one of the most frequently kept Central American cichlids. These stunning cichlids will surely thrive in aquariums with a capacity of at least 70 gallons.
Carefully choose your tank mates to avoid including fragile or small fish that could be eaten. Plecostomus catfish are a good choice because they are reasonably powerful.
- Problem degree: Easy.
- Character: Not the best– can be rather hostile.
- Minimum storage tank dimension: 70+ gallons for a set.
