American Cichlids

What is a cichlid?

Cichlids are a diverse group of freshwater, tropical fish known for their deep bodies, flashy colours, and fierce parental instincts. There are more than 1,500 species known species of cichlids, found mainly in Africa and the Americas. The latter, American Cichlids, are tolerant of a wide range of water parameters and are often kept in large aquariums as showpiece fish.

What types of cichlids can you keep in an aquarium?

There are many different types of American Cichlids that can be kept in aquariums. Some of the most popular are Convict Cichlids; stripey, semi-aggressive fish that are known to regularly breed and produce 100s of babies. Electric Blue Acara, Keyhole Cichlids, and Firemouth Cichlids are great parents too and make fantastic breeding projects for experienced fishkeepers.

There are also several large, aggressive species of American Cichlids that can be kept in large fish tanks. These include Jaguar Cichlids, Green Terror Cichlids, and Jack Dempsey Cichlids. When kept with similarly large and boisterous fish, these American Cichlids can be incredibly rewarding, though avoid stocking them alongside any fish small enough to fit in their mouths - or the smaller fish will soon become snacks!

What do cichlids eat?

Most cichlids are omnivorous, meaning their diets are made up of both animal matter and plant matter. Some, like Convict Cichlids, prefer more vegetables in their diets, while others, like Jaguar Cichlids, have more of an appetite for meat. The best all-round fish food to feed cichlids is specially formulated cichlid food, which typically comes in the form of dense sinking pellets packed with essential vitamins, nutrients, and trace elements.

When should you separate cichlid fry from their parents?

Unlike most other types of fish, cichlids will nurture their fry from the moment they hatch all the way up until they’re juveniles, ready to fend for themselves in an aquarium. This means that cichlid babies don’t necessarily need to be separated from their parents to survive into adulthood; in fact, it’s often best to leave the parents to it. That said, if you notice your cichlids shunning their fry, or worse eating them, remove the fry and place them in a temporary grow-out tank.