Cichlids
 South America,  West Africa
(Milder temperament)

Here is a list of popular Cichlids that are a little milder mannered than some of the more more pugnacious Cichlids we list on our other page.  Many like to defend territories and care must be taken when you mix them with other fish.  In general the bigger the tank the better.  You can purchase young specimens and keep them in a 30 gallon tank, but most of them will need a bigger tank in a short time.

Housing:  Set up the tanks with lots of rocks and hiding spots.  Plastic plants that are attached to gravel bases can be used for decorations.  Maintain good filtration and keep up regular partial water changes.   Tanks of 75 gallon or more are best.

Food:   Feed a variety of flakes, pellets, or Cichlid sticks.  Supplement with freeze-dried or frozen shrimp, bloodworms, or cichlid specialty foods.  The type of food can be determined by the size of the fish.

Beginners?   Most of these fish are very hardy, and can be kept by beginners.

Tank Mates.  Our staff can help you plan your tank.  These fish can be aggressive toward smaller or weaker fish.
If your tank is big enough you can mix other active fish of similar size with them.  Most of the fish on this page will live together in the same tank as long as they are of similar size.  Other possible tank mates include sharks, Tin Foil Barbs and other Large Barbs, Large Catfish, Giant Danios, Silver Dollars, Annostomus.