African cichlids are some of the most popular freshwater aquarium fish, known for their bright colors and fascinating behaviors. But keeping African cichlids can be more challenging than keeping other types of freshwater fish. They can be aggressive, are sensitive to changes in water parameters, and often need larger tanks.
Still, the rewards of keeping these fish are well worth the effort for many aquarium enthusiasts. The different kinds of African cichlids all have their own unique needs and personalities. This article explores some of the most popular types, providing information for both beginners and experienced aquarists.
Understanding African Cichlid Classification
African cichlids are generally categorized based on their geographic origin and their behavior.
Geographic Origins
Most African cichlids come from three lakes:
- Lake Malawi, home to Mbuna, Haps, and Peacock cichlids
- Lake Tanganyika, known for its shell-dwelling species
- Lake Victoria, whose cichlids are often underrepresented in the aquarium trade
Categorization by Behavior and Diet
Cichlids are also grouped by their behavior and diet:
- Mbuna, rock-dwelling herbivores with a reputation for aggression, need specialized diets to stay healthy.
- Haps and Peacocks, open-water predators or insectivores that are less aggressive than Mbuna, need large tanks to thrive.
- Other Categories include substrate sifters, shell dwellers, and species with specialized feeding habits.
African cichlids that are good for beginners
If you’re new to keeping fish, you’ll want to start with cichlids that are relatively easy to care for. Here are some things to think about before you buy:
- Hardiness. Some species of cichlids are less forgiving of fluctuations in water temperature or pH.
- Temperament. Some cichlids are more aggressive than others, and you’ll want to avoid those in community tanks.
- Tank size. Cichlids tend to be territorial, so be sure to give them enough room to cut down on both aggression and stress.
Here are some recommended species for beginners:
- Convict cichlids. These fish are hardy and they breed easily. But keep in mind that they can be aggressive, so be careful when choosing tank mates.
- Yellow labs. These cichlids are relatively peaceful, and they enjoy having lots of places to hide.
- Kribensis cichlids. If you have a smaller tank, these colorful fish are a good option. They can be kept in pairs.
- Electric blue acara. These cichlids are known for their vibrant color and relatively peaceful nature. Experts recommend a tank of at least 30 to 40 gallons.
Intermediate African Cichlids
Some cichlids require more specific care than beginner-level species, so do your research before you buy. These fish may have more particular needs when it comes to water parameters, diet, and tank setup.
Here are a few examples of intermediate-level cichlids:
- Firemouth Cichlid: These fish are known for their striking colors, but they can be territorial, so you’ll want to provide a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding places.
- Jack Dempsey: Jack Dempseys are hardy fish, but they can be very aggressive. I kept a Jack Dempsey many years ago, and I remember how much personality that fish had! A 75-gallon tank is recommended.
- Severum Cichlid: Severums are relatively peaceful as far as cichlids go, but they need a large tank with a setup that mimics their natural habitat. As with most fish, the bigger the tank, the better.
- Yellow Tail Acei: Yellow Tail Acei are beautiful Mbuna cichlids that need plenty of swimming space and pristine water conditions.
Advanced African Cichlids
Some African cichlids can be challenging to keep because they are highly sensitive to changes in water chemistry, have specialized diets, and display complex social behaviors that can include aggression.
Examples of these more advanced cichlids include:
- Tropheus species, which are herbivores that are prone to bloat and need pristine water conditions.
- Cyphotilapia frontosa, which are slow-growing and sensitive to stress and need a large tank in order to thrive.
To Conclude
African cichlids are diverse, beautiful, and full of personality. They can make a fantastic addition to your home aquarium.
Before you purchase any cichlid, be sure to do your research and understand what it needs to thrive.
With responsible fishkeeping, you can create a thriving ecosystem that you and your fish will enjoy for years to come.