My Story with Cichlids
I’ve been keeping fish on and off since middle and high school — starting out with community tanks and New World cichlids. Like a lot of beginners, I quickly learned that even “peaceful” fish can cause chaos. But over time, I found something more satisfying: keeping a breeding pair of cichlids.
There’s something rewarding about picking out the right male — usually around 3–4 inches, bold and full of personality — and matching him with a female from a separate tank or even a different store. Watching that pair bond, stake out territory, and eventually breed was always the highlight for me.
Eventually, I moved on to a more advanced setup: a planted 80-gallon tank with Exodon paradoxus (Bucktooth Tetras), a sump system, and live plants. I kept it for a few years before selling the entire setup — but the itch never really goes away.
This site is my way of getting back into it — and sharing what I’ve learned so far with other cichlid keepers.
What Are New World Cichlids?
“They’re intelligent, bold, and sometimes a little aggressive — and that’s just why we love them.”
New World cichlids are freshwater fish native to Central America, South America, and parts of southern North America. Found in rivers, lakes, and floodplains with ever-changing water conditions, these cichlids range in size from 2-inch dwarfs like Apistogramma to 12+ inch giants like Oscars and Peacock Bass. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, there’s a species for you—ranging from peaceful varieties like Bolivian Rams to aggressive types like Dovii or Red Devils.
Known for their striking colors, high intelligence, and complex behaviors, many New World cichlids display unique traits such as recognizing their owners, forming breeding pairs, and fiercely guarding their fry. However, their territorial nature—especially during spawning—can present challenges in community tanks. Proper planning around tank size (often 55+ gallons), diet (omnivorous), and compatibility is essential. Popular species include the Oscar, Jack Dempsey, Firemouth, Convict Cichlid, Electric Blue Acara, and various Apistogramma. Whether you’re building a planted tank or a species-only setup, New World cichlids offer vibrant personalities and rewarding care experiences.
“African cichlids: beautiful to look at, dramatic to live with—it’s like keeping a soap opera in your tank.”
African cichlids are some of the most colorful and dynamic freshwater fish in the hobby, hailing mainly from the Great Rift Valley lakes—Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria. Known for their electric colors, energetic behavior, and complex social hierarchies, keeping African cichlids is like hosting a vibrant, underwater soap opera.
These fish range from semi-aggressive to highly territorial, especially during breeding. Their stunning appearance comes with strong personalities, so careful tank planning is a must. Most species thrive in rocky aquascapes, hard, alkaline water, and setups where space and hiding spots reduce aggression. Popular types include Mbuna, Peacocks (Aulonocara), and Haps, each with unique color patterns and behavior. African cichlids are best kept in species-specific or carefully balanced community tanks to avoid conflicts. For aquarists who love constant activity and dazzling visuals, African cichlids are a thrilling choice.