Current researchers break them down into two different categories, New Cichlids and African Cichlids. The first being split further and referred to as Central and South American Cichlids. All of these categories break down into different types and sub types with many variations pertaining to color, patterns and size. This on top of the fact that they are pretty easy to maintain and breed is what makes them so popular amongst aquarium enthusiasts today.

In Africa there are three very well known lakes being Lake Victoria, Lake Malawi and Lake Tanginika. These are where the Cichlid fish come from. Lake Malawi is home to more than one thousand different cichlid species and are amongst the most beautiful in the world. Freshwater fish are generally plain in color but not African cichlids. They are well known for their beauty all around the world. They are extremely intelligent as far as fish go and their unique mannerisms and behavior will amaze you.

Some interesting behaviors noticed in African Cichlids are maternal mouth brooding fish, meaning the female carries the eggs and young lings in her mouth. Depending on the type will keep them in there for three weeks to a month. They have even been known to give their young protection in the mouth after their born.

African Cichlids Are A Hardy Fish

Cichlids are a very tough fish, which makes them easy to maintain. They have been placed in new environments and geographic locations around the world and their survival is a testament to their hardy stature. This is what makes them readily available at your local pet store. Lake Malawi cichlids in particular, are among some of the easiest aquarium fish to breed.

African cichlids are very territorial type fish. They are extremely aggressive and predatory. In their natural environment, they will live together in schools. It seems that the older the cichlid the more aggro the fish and will be aggressive to all types of fish.

Cichlids express themselves through their amazing colors, a pale fish could be sick or stressed fish, and a bright fish is a good sign of health or a sign of dominance. Male African Cichlids have been known to change color if they lose their space in the tank. It is also noted that their bright colors are used to attract potential mates.

Usually in aquarium setups there is always a dominant fish. This will be the largest cichlid in the tank. These cichlids have been known to attack and kill smaller, weaker fish. Funnily enough a good way to deal with this is to overstock the area giving the smaller types a chance to hide.

Many African cichlids have become popular amongst aquarium enthusiasts around the world. As an aquarium fish they unmatched in color and beauty. Another reason is they are very easy even for learners to look after.

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Common Cichlid Species

Angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare)- Originating from the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo rivers in South America, the angelfish has become one of the more popular cichlids because of its unique, elegant appearance, inquisitive nature, and mild-mannered disposition.

Oscar fish (Astronotus ocellatus)- Also called Oscar, tiger oscar, velvet cichlid, or marble cichlid, the oscar fish comes from South Americaand have even been considered food fish. Hardy and tough, they can tolerate a wide range of water conditions and high toxin levels. This fast-growing fish (it can grow beyond 18 inches) will eat a range of food, including pellets, live food, and flakes. Make sure you feed themenough live food so they stay healthy and their colors stay bright.

Convict cichlid (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus) - This type of cichlid is a good fish for beginners because of its small size and its ease in keeping and breeding. They are not fussy about food or water conditions. When keeping convict cichlids, one needs to recreate their original habitat, putting in rocks and artificial caves-they’ll eventually use these for breeding-into the aquarium. They tend to burrow intothe substrate, so external filtration is best for this type of cichlid.

Discus fish (Symphysodon sppi) – Another favorite among aquarium enthusiasts, the discus fish is probably one of the more socialized cichlids. They are probably one of the few schooling cichlids and, in their original habitat, live in large groups. They require much social interaction for them to enhance their character, so when getting discus fish, it is wise to get more than two of them. Their breeding tanks are simple at best-no substrate needed, simple filtration system, and a lot of spawning sites. The aquarium water should be soft enough to let the eggs develop properly.

Jack Dempsey – Named after a boxing heavyweight, Jack Dempsey cichlids are easy to breed and feed and can live up to 10 years. It is their stunning coloration that piques people’s interest. When they are young, Jack Dempsey cichlids show a tan or light gray color with some turquoise specks. As they mature, their colors turns purple gray with some blue and green highlights while its specks turn gold.

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