Cichlid (Overview)
Cichlids are an enormous family of freshwater fish (at least 1,760 described species, with estimates of 2,000-3,000 in all, by Wikipedia) found primarily in Central and South America, Africa, and parts of Asia.
Updated: October 2026
Overview
Cichlids are an enormous family of freshwater fish (at least 1,760 described species, with estimates of 2,000-3,000 in all, by Wikipedia) found primarily in Central and South America, Africa, and parts of Asia. Cichlids are intelligent, often territorial, and frequently aggressive. The family includes everything from peaceful Angelfish to murderous Mbuna African Cichlids - research the specific species before buying.
Major Cichlid Groups
African Cichlids
- Lake Malawi Mbuna - rock-dwelling, brilliantly coloured, aggressive. Lake Malawi species thrive at 25-29°C (77-84°F), with pH 7.5-8.4 ideal (Wikipedia).
- Lake Malawi Haps and Peacocks - more peaceful than Mbuna.
- Lake Tanganyika Cichlids - shell-dwellers, Frontosa, others. Very hard alkaline water.
- West African Cichlids - Kribensis, Jewel, others. Softer water.
South American Cichlids
- Angelfish.
- Discus.
- Apistogramma (dwarf cichlids): small, peaceful.
- Oscars - large, intelligent, aggressive.
- Severums, Festivums, others.
Central American Cichlids
- Convicts.
- Firemouth.
- Jack Dempsey.
- Generally aggressive.
Universal Cichlid Care Points
Tank Size
Larger than typical community fish demand. Most cichlid tanks start at 200 L (55 gallon) and many species need 400 L+ as adults.
Filtration
Heavy. Cichlids are messy eaters and high-waste producers.
Water Parameters
Vary dramatically by region:
- African Rift Lake: hard alkaline (Lake Malawi: pH 7.5-8.4, by Wikipedia).
- South American: soft acidic (pH 5.5-7.0).
- Central American: moderate.
Aggression Management
- Crowd tactically: too few cichlids in too much space increases aggression. Many tanks are stocked with more cichlids than seems sensible, reducing territorial focus.
- Provide hiding spots, rock work, and visual barriers.
- Avoid mixing aggressive species with peaceful tankmates.
Tankmates
Region-matched only. Don't mix African Rift Lake with South American Cichlids - water parameters and behaviours conflict.
Diet
Cichlids cover essentially the full range of feeding: carnivores (fish-eaters that take other fish, fry, larvae and eggs, and snail-eaters), herbivores that feed on algae (such as Petrochromis) or plants (such as Etroplus suratensis), detritivores such as the tilapias, planktivores and omnivores, though most eat a wider range of foods depending on what is available (Wikipedia). So the food has to follow the species, not the family:
| Give | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Food that matches the species: plant-based food for algae- and plant-eaters, animal food for predators such as angelfish, which catch small animals including fish and insect larvae (Wikipedia) | One food for a mixed tank of herbivores and predators |
| Thawed frozen daphnia or brine shrimp, which the RSPCA calls an excellent supplement for tropical fish | Small tankmates with fish-eating species: piscivorous cichlids eat other fish and fry (Wikipedia) |
| Sinking food or tablets for species that feed in the middle and at the bottom (RSPCA) | More than the fish eat in two to five minutes, and holiday feeding blocks, which release a lot of food quickly (RSPCA) |
The RSPCA's general advice for pet fish is two or three feeds a day; underfeeding is safer than overfeeding, since fish suffer more from poor water quality.
Health & Lifespan
Highly variable: small dwarfs 3-5 years; large species 15-25+ years.
Pros & Cons
Pros: brilliant colours, intelligent, interactive, often raise their own young. Cons: aggression management required, species-specific care, mistakes are common in cichlid keeping.
Everyday gear for aquariums
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Cichlid (Overview) - frequently asked questions
What do cichlids eat?
It depends on the species: the family includes carnivores, herbivores, omnivores, planktivores and detritivores, from algae-eaters such as Petrochromis to predators such as angelfish (Wikipedia). Match the food to the species, add thawed frozen daphnia or brine shrimp as a supplement, and feed two or three times a day, only as much as the fish eat in two to five minutes (RSPCA).
Best beginner cichlid?
Convicts, German Blue Rams (if water is right), Bolivian Rams, Kribensis. Avoid Oscars and large aggressive species as first cichlids.
Can I mix cichlids?
With great care. Region, temperament, and adult size must match. Most cichlid disasters come from mixed incompatible species.
Are they smart?
Yes - many recognise owners, perform problem-solving, and care for young actively.
Do they really eat their tankmates?
Larger cichlids eat smaller fish. Always consider adult size.
Mbuna or Peacocks for African tank?
Peacocks: more peaceful, mix better. Mbuna: more aggressive, more colourful, harder to manage.
Sources
Sources this profile draws on, as linked in the text:
Test yourself: guess the fish
Three clues from our quiz bank, each about another of our fish. Can you name them?
Clue 1.Almost all of these tiny blue-and-red beauties sold in stores are still wild-caught from blackwater rivers of South America.
It's the Cardinal Tetra - read the full profile →
Clue 2.Contrary to popular myth, this hardy pet has a memory spanning months and should never be kept in a tiny bowl.
It's the Goldfish - read the full profile →
Clue 3.Males of this small, vividly colored labyrinth fish are so territorial that two cannot share a tank without fighting, giving rise to a fierce nickname.
It's the Betta (Siamese Fighting Fish) - read the full profile →