Cichlids (Cichlidae): Species Profiles, Setup & Breeding

Cichlids are a diverse group of freshwater fish that belong to the family Cichlidae. They are native to freshwater habitats in Africa, Central and South America, and parts of Asia.

They are known for their bright colors, diverse body shapes, and complex behaviors. Many cichlid species are popular in the aquarium trade, but some are only sold through specialized breeders.

If you just started your first Cichlid aquarium, we recommend South American species like Rams, Geos, or Blue Acaras. These species are hardy and easy to care for.

For something a bit more exotic, consider African cichlids from the Great Lakes, such as Mbuna or Tanganyika cichlids. These fish have very specialized habitat requirements and can be more aggressive than American cichlids.

Anyway, to start, it’s important to research the specific species of cichlid you have so that you are providing them with an appropriate habitat and diet.