Blue Dolphin Cichlid(Cyrtocara moorii) 2. Most other Malawi cichlids are safe, but NOT African peacocks. If you want to get the most out of your jewel cichlid’s color, keep the diet as varied as possible. Tuberculosis: You DON’T want to see this in your tank; it’s not only fatal, but it’s also HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS. Oscar cichlids are larger than the average cichlid, and have larger-than-life personalities and appearances to match. Males grow larger than females and have more pointed fins. Combining species from the two regions WILL result in a health disaster. Keep this in mind when you decorate your tank. As such, your tank should be at least 120 gallons, especially if you plan to keep a pair of them to breed. Unhappily, oscars grow FAST. Paracyprichromis nigripinnis – blue neon cichlid The blue neon cichlid is a very attractive shoaling fish. African cichlids are robust, making them ideal choices for beginning aquarists. It’s possible that your fish has been dyed. Discus have earned the title “King of the Aquarium Fishes.” They’re relatively large disc-shaped cichlids (go figure), available in dramatic colors and patterns. Rams learn to greet you at mealtimes, just as dogs might. Just be careful if you have other fish with flowing fins – jewels are known to nip. Another severe disease that can infect cichlids is fish tuberculosis. Even peaceful species get territorial during the breeding season. With no preferences in their diet, they’re a cinch to feed. As such, they thrive in tanks with very hard water and rocky decor that is lime-based or calcareous. Kribensis are one of the most colorful cichlid subspecies. They don’t like acclimating to a new tank, they grow large (6-10 inches/15-25cm), they’re sensitive to water fluctuations, and they’re susceptible to stress-related diseases. Kribensis are one of the most colorful cichlid subspecies. Avoid any fish small enough to become a snack. Just don’t skimp on the variety! On the flip side, they startle easily, panicking at shadows and fast movements. (Not ideal – for you or them). Oscars are quite the active subspecies. Much like the mbuna, peacock cichlids thrive in hard waters that have a high mineral content and pH level. As their name implies, parrot cichlids have beaked heads that make them look like parrots, with their mouths constantly open. It has a salmon coloured body with thin blue lines and blue tinged fins. Whether or not it’s ethical to breed this subspecies into existence is a point of contention among aquarists – and has been for many years. The convict cichlid, also known as the zebra cichlid, is quite aptly named. Cichlids like to dig in the substrate. Blue Acara Cichlids. If you spot a parrot cichlid that is an unusual color, such as purple or green, you may want to consult with the breeder. Make sure you provide this subspecies with many hiding places and a sandy substrate that they can dig into. The same can be said for choosing suitable tank mates as well. There are numerous types of Ram cichlids that are found and developed in Asia as a hobby for fish keeping. What Other Fish Can Live with African Cichlids Are you looking for a species of fish that will be compatible with African Cichlids? Peacock cichlids, native to Lake Malawi in East Africa, live near the bottom … The bottom pharyngeal bone fused into a single tooth-bearing structure manipulated by strong muscles to function as a second set of jaws. Not the cleanest eaters in the world, you need to stay on top of your tank water changes and substrate vacuuming to keep up with the extra bioload. Juvenile oscars will often have different colorations from their older counterparts, typically preferring to have white and orange wavy stripes and spotted heads. These decorations can keep mineral levels high, as well as provide nice places for them to hide. African Cichlids The Cichlidae family contains over 1,200 species of fish, the majority of which are found in the Tanganyika and Malawai Lakes of central Africa. They average 5 inches (12.7cm) in length, and they DON’T handle stress well. It’s best to introduce all your mbuna cichlids at the same time, as older members of the tank will likely gang up on new mbunas you introduce later. Almost entirely captive-bred, the colors are endless. Whether you opt for African or New World cichlids, similarities emerge. While these mouthbrooders might make attractive additions to your aquarium, the rest of the world kind of despises them. Just make sure you monitor water quality carefully to prevent disease or stress. Even the most peaceful cichlids could decide to munch on tiny tank mates. Sizes usually range from 4 to 6 inches. If you plan to keep a single pair of these, an aquarium of at least 30 gallons will work fine. There are 22 species of peacock cichlids, all hailing from Lake Malawi. With such diverse ancestors, it’s no wonder cichlids vary so much in color, shape, and personality. Any brighter variations you may see are usually the result of selective breeding by aquarists; these do not exist in the wild. Fishtankadvisor.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Please note: this does not affect the price you pay. They’re a light bluish-brown with orange or red along the fins and tail, a black spot in the center, and a black crescent through the eye. So long as you have a male and female, odds are you’ll end up with baby convicts in the tank. You identify this nasty disease by loss of appetite and white blotches on the scales. Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki), Caring For The Electric Blue Hap Cichlid (Sciaenochromis Fryeri), Freshwater Crabs: How to Properly Keep Them in your Tank, Aquarium Driftwood: Best & Safest Types for your Tank, Installing a Protein Skimmer: Tips & Mistakes to Avoid. It’s recommended to look into how the breeder raised them and then copy their methods. Kribensis is a small, colorful cichlid, tolerant of community tanks. 10 Most Popular Freshwater Cichlid Fish 1. The cichlid family is incredibly diverse and it is also one of the largest families of vertebrates – there are over 1,600 scientifically described species of cichlid, though it is estimated that that the actual number of cichlids in existence ranges between 2,000 and 3,000. Just keep in mind that they are bottom dwellers, so if you do want to give them friends, make sure they are fish who inhabit the upper parts of the tank. Whether you’re interested in a particular color, shape, pattern, or even breeding style, there’s a cichlid for you. Peacock cichlids are another dazzling cichlid species from Lake Malawi. Fish information and habitats for large Cichlid aquariums, types of cichlids like the Parrot Cichlid, Firemouth cichlid, Green Terror, Oscar, Texas Cichlid and more. As such, they’ll nibble on your plant life. They are quite calm and will not reside in the same water layer as your cichlids. So there needs to be a group of over 6 fish. A colorful and popular freshwater fish, the Kribensis Cichlid is truly a breed worth considering for your own freshwater aquarium. If you intend on owning more, however, you’ll need a much larger tank full of ample decorations to hide in, so their territorial behavior is accommodated. When choosing your cichlid, plan tank size accordingly. Not content with just the tank, they spy on the entire room to see what’s going on. The size of the cichlids varies between 3cm and 1m. So long as you stay on top of water quality and don’t fall prey to their begging habits (yes, they’re cute when they follow you around – don’t succumb to overfeeding), your cichlids should avoid significant health issues. The following table indicates the type of fish that work best with various Cichlids. Blue Acara Cichlids are peaceful. In the wild, oscars are typically dark-colored with yellow-ringed spots or ocelli on the caudal peduncle and the dorsal fin. Remember to always ask a veterinarian for help regarding all of your pets. After all, when placed on the cichlid scale of aggression, they’re at the bottom. Consider bringing an oscar into your life. As such, under gravel filters are a poor choice. This site is part of the Amazon affiliate program. Many aquarists have often toyed with the breeding of this already hybrid species, for many different reasons – most of which are cosmetic in nature. The carnivorous diet doesn’t make water quality easy to maintain, either. You can also have sturdy plants along the bottom, but try to find ones that don’t grow into the substrate. This is a cichlid found in the Nicaraguan lakes, but is a bottom sifter rather than a piscivore, with snails forming a significant part of the diet. If you have weaker fish – even if they’re the same size – they may get harassed or even attacked. If that’s not possible, you can always place them in a large freshwater tank; most will adapt without excessive trouble. If you’re looking … Bolivian rams are members of the dwarf cichlid group. Overall, these hardy fish do well in aquariums. If you run a freshwater aquarium, you’ll find plenty of inspiration for bringing it to life! The best tank mates for your angelfish should be those which don’t nip or fight, as they are slow swimmers. Their head protuberance, or kok, is formally termed a nuchal hump. The smallest checks in at just 1 inch (3cm) in length, while the largest tops out at close to 2 feet (60cm). These fish are one of the three species of cichlids known to inhabit Lake Malawi, a great lake in Africa. Providing caves for hiding and plenty of territory for your cichlid will help diffuse the tension. You can buy many varieties of African cichlids at LiveAquaria, a site that delivers quality aquatic life right to your doorstep. Don’t be surprised to find them uprooting your plants and decorations and moving them around the tank. Their bodies are made up of a lovely... Mbuna Cichlid. Discus will thrive in an Amazon biotope set-up, with very warm water that is also soft and acidic. This video explains more about cichild types. These fish have vertical black and white stripes on their bodies, similar to that of convict uniforms (or zebras). Bolivian Ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus), 9. Overweight fish can lose their beautiful coloration and even die prematurely. Angelfish are EXTREMELY sensitive to water conditions. Convicts do well with consistent water quality. Aquarists love the dynamic nature of cichlids. Like discus, it has a flatter and high body style. You’ll need to watch your ammonia levels as a result. Oscars SURGE with curiosity. Central American cichlids, in particular, display territoriality and predatory instincts. Discus are well known for their gorgeous patterns of green, red, brown, or blue, which stretch along their entire bodies. They hail from Africa, South and Central America, and even Asia. The top 10 cichlid species listed above are excellent additions to the community tank, but they are not your only options. They’ll follow you around, greet you at the aquarium surface, and even learn tricks. All 900 known species of cichlids have a dorsal fin, consisting of a hard spiny and soft spiny part. However, if you don’t want to breed these fish, it’s wise to keep this tank exclusively female. Over 3,000 subspecies of cichlid fish are known to exist worldwide, with more and more subspecies being discovered every year – making them the largest family of fish in existence. Convict cichlids hold the distinction as one of the easiest species for aquarists to breed. They originated in Lake Malawi, an African great lake that is considered the ninth largest lake in the world. They also jump, so make sure you have a cover on your tank. Endemic to Central America, they’ve since become invasive species around the world. That said, it is very important that aqu… The cichlid you select will dictate your tank size and water conditions. These include many different types of xanthistic forms which are known as the electric blue rams or the gold rams as well as the larger and high bodied, flattened balloon form varieties. Electric blue haps resemble their name (at least the males): you can’t miss those brilliant blue scales. As long as the cichlid species you choose is fairly peaceful and doesn’t tend to prey on smaller fish, it can be considered for a community tank. Because cichlids are mostly aggressive, they are generally not community fish and only do best in species tanks. The typical coloration of these cichlids is blood red, though they can also be gray or yellow. They can actually change their coloration at will to intimidate other fish. Most species are also fairly hardy and are perfect for both novice and experienced aquarists. While it may be adequate for younger oscars, they will soon outgrow this tank when they reach their full size of 13.5 inches. They’ll honestly take everything you offer them (they’re not picky). This group of fish consists of piscivorous fish. In the wild, they keep to themselves, though they tolerate each other in captivity. Similar to the peacock cichlid, they lean toward the meaty side of the omnivore palate. Females wear striking silver, and they can develop a subdued blue shading when they’re mature. They readily greet their keepers and beg them for food when it’s time to eat. However, there are some generalities to the Cichlidae family you can count on. While juveniles do fine in smaller tanks, have a larger aquarium cycled and ready to go for when it’s time to move these cichlids over. They target smaller tank mates. Diet: Flake, Pellets, Frozen. All cichlids lay eggs, though care varies among species. While it’s true this subspecies can be aggressive during spawning and they tend to peck at the fins of slower fish, there are aquarists who argue that they have successfully kept a kribensis in a community tank as well. Adding more than one Oscar in a tank is a gamble, and is not recommended in less than a 125 gallon tank. Size: 3 1/2” Temperament: Peaceful. Swim Bladder Disease: Poor nutrition or physical injury from tank mates leads to your fish losing the ability to remain submerged. African Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara spp. Malawi Bloat: Common to African cichlids, this disease causes abdominal swelling, which can result in kidney and liver issues. You can add plants to their set-up, but just know that your jewel cichlids will do their best to tear it up. Cockatoo Cichlid (Apsitogramma cacatuoides) 3. They tolerate other fish their size, but they’ll bully and attack smaller fish. When breeding, females develop a purple or red rounded belly. You WILL need to spend a little more for these fish than most tropical species. Some freshwater cichlids, particularly the tilapia, are eaten as food, while many other subspecies are beloved by fish hobbyists. Electric blue haps have a preference for fish, and they WILL eat smaller tank mates without hesitation. Unless you want to replace your greenery frequently, use hardy species in your aquarium: Make sure you keep the other end of that omnivore habit in mind when choosing tank mates. Their bodies are made up of a lovely myriad of colors that can give your tank set-up extra flare. Likewise, tank mates shouldn’t be extremely active or too small. Even still, larger Pleco varieties that can handle these same water parameters may prove to be a sound option. They’re a very hardy subspecies, capable of adapting to most aquarium conditions without difficulty. Because of this endless experimentation, these cichlids are uniquely sensitive to their environments. These can include logs, caves, and decorative dens, so they can ease into their new surroundings gradually. We have spent years visiting many farms to source the best quality Cichlids. Cichlids are fish belonging to the Cichlidae family, and are a member of the group Labroidei. In comparison to African cichlids, New World cichlids make up around 570 species. However, they make up for their lack of flash with the biggest personalities in the fish world. Share your story here! Fish develop lesions, and their appetites drop off. Browse our latest freshwater fish profiles below. Topping out at around 12 inches (33cm), they need A LOT of room. This means they keep the fertilized eggs in their mouth for the 21 days before hatching. Cichlids are a group of fish belonging to the family Cichlidae and they belong to a group, or suborder, called Labroidei. They rarely, if ever, play well with other fish, even those from the same subspecies as them, so tankmates may be out of the question. So long as their water conditions stay stable, kribs remain undemanding for everyone to care for. The most popular aquarium species come from Lake Malawi as they’re the most colorful. It is believed that most Cichlids will get along with fish species such as Tetra, and Corydoras Catfish, just to mention a few. Even experienced aquarists struggle with discus. They will try their best to uproot any plants you put in their tank, as well as move around driftwood and rocks. Cichlids are “secondary freshwater” fish. They get along well with characins, barbs, danios, and rasboras, adding a great splash of color to your tank. Electric Blue Cichlid/Electric Blue Hap (, Just be careful if you have other fish with flowing fins – jewels are known to nip, Their trailing fins pose a temptation to other fish, The Greater the Variety, the Greater the Reward, 1. Wolf cichlid (Parachromis dovii) Also known as Dow’s cichlid, this measures 75cm/30" in males, … Index of Premium Cichlids This page contains an index of all the Cichlids that are discussed or sold on this website.. Click here to go to another web page that contains several similar Indexes of Tropical Fish, Goldfish and Koi, Scavengers and Catfish, Brackish Water Fishes, and Miscellaneous Critters. (The added oxygen won’t hurt, either). Thanks for supporting our site. Their trailing fins pose a temptation to other fish, too, so watch your angels in community tanks. They also grow FAST. If you want to tackle keeping discus, make sure you’re at the top of your game. However, in general, the region you pull your species from will give you a rough idea. Lake Malawi Cichlids However, with so many different cichlid types out there, it can be hard to know which ones are best for your tank set-up. Bolivian rams prefer open spaces for swimming, but don’t neglect plenty of hiding places. Angelfish still remain one of the most popular cichlids among aquarists – even today. The content of this website is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Oscars may not have the most striking appearance – though the black and orange patterns aren’t too shabby. Otherwise, you could find that new acquisition on the floor. Despite their meaner tendencies, cichlids have proven themselves to be quite personable as well. They have rounded, diamond-shaped bodies and large eyes that make them seem more emotive than other types of fish. Lake victoria Lake Victoria cichlids come from Lake Victoria, located in central Africa, across the equator, the largest lake in Africa and the second largest freshwater lake in the world. The representative breeds of Lake Malawi are Bumblebee Cichlid, Demasoni Cichlid, Venustus Cichlid, Yellow Lab Cichlid, Peacock Cichlid and so on. Peacocks are the least aggressive of the Malawi Cichlids. The best plants for a jewel cichlid set-up include sturdy species like Java fern, Anubias, or anything that can’t be uprooted too easily. However, they have a reputation for rearranging the furniture. © Loïc Tremblay. Not all plants will appreciate these parameters, however, so choose aquarium plants with caution. Consisting of the whole Aulonocara genus of freshwater fish, peacock cichlid, or simply peacocks, are the most friendly and peaceful cichlids you can find in your aquarium. As large and aggressive fish, they should be kept in 75 gallon or bigger aquaria and do best in single species tanks, although a few other similarly aggressive cichlids can be successfully kept with them, including most Central American cichlids (Convicts, Firemouths, Jack Dempsey, etc). 11 Perfectly Quiet Wave Makers for Great Water Flow, 9 Types of Goldfish You Never Knew You Needed, Getting Systematic – The 10 Best Genera of Beginner Aquarium Plants. As beautiful as angelfish appear, these cichlids ARE aggressive. Keeping cichlids from the same region together is also recommended. We earn commission for purchases made through our links. You also want to choose a grain size safe enough to keep your little excavators happy. For purchases made through our links more aggressive than tetras, guppies, gouramis, or cichlid. System as well as proper territory worth considering for your own freshwater aquarium with characins,,... 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