Cichlids are a rarer, yet beautiful, choice for starting your first aquarium. There are more than 1,300 species of Cichlid fish, and they are primarily found in freshwater environments in tropical America, mainland Africa and Madagascar, and southern Asia. A few favorites include:
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Freshwater Angelfish
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No matter which type of Cichlid(s) you choose to keep in your aquarium, there are a few steps you can take to set yourself up for success with this species of fish. One tip that’s true across the board – for any type of fish you keep – is that the larger the aquarium, the less polluted your water will become, making it easier to keep your tank in good condition. Cichlids can grow up to 12 inches, so definitely err on the side of a larger tank. A 50 gallon tank is an ideal size for starting out.
Once you determine the specific type of Cichlid fish you are going to keep, you will need to take other factors into consideration, such as water temperature, sunlight, and water parameters. Cichlids fare best in aquariums with water temperatures between 76 degrees and 83 degrees Fahrenheit, and thrive when pH levels fall between 7.8 and 8.5, but because there are so many different types of Cichlids, we recommend that you check the requirements for your specific species before adjusting your aquarium accordingly. You do need to invest in an aquarium heater regardless of which Cichlid fish you choose, and should purchase a test kit, such as API® FRESHWATER MASTER TEST KIT to frequently and easily check your water parameters. Levels like ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate will need to be kept to a minimum for fish to thrive.
Some first-time fish owners like to add live plants to their new aquariums. However, if you are considering Cichlids, know that aquatic plants are largely incompatible with the water conditions Cichlids need to thrive (high pH, harder water levels, etc.). Cichlids are also likely to eat aquatic plants and uproot them by moving gravel around frequently, so if you like the aesthetic of aquarium plants, purchase some fake ones, and also add a few rocks with caves or holes to your tank. This will give your Cichlids a few natural hiding places. White limestone in particular is an excellent choice to help keep pH levels where they should be.
If you are going to keep more than one fish in a tank, we recommend staying within the same species of Cichlid, as Cichlids tend to show aggression toward other species of Cichlids. Another good idea is to have two female Cichlids for every male Cichlid to help prevent aggression. A bottom feeder, such as a snail, makes a great addition to a Cichlid tank to aid in keeping the walls of your tank clean.
When purchasing food for your Cichlid tank, be sure to consider the nutritional needs of your specific species or breed of Cichlid! Some are primarily algae eaters, while others are more carnivorous and prefer to eat insects and crustaceans (and are likely to eat other smaller fish in your tank)! Select a high-quality food formula for your Cichlids, such as API® CICHLID PELLETS, which contain all of the necessary ingredients for optimal Cichlid growth and health.
Cichlids may be a bit more challenging to keep than other, more common fish, but are nevertheless a great selection! If you regularly care for your tank and your Cichlids, you will find fish keeping to be a relaxing, fun hobby!