CichlidCichlid and freshwater fish care guides
Plain English guides on tanks, cycling, water, compatibility, feeding, breeding, oddballs and more. Pick a topic to filter.
Cycling a tank (the nitrogen cycle)
The one step that keeps new fish alive. What the nitrogen cycle is and how to do a fishless cycle.
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Choosing a tank
Why bigger is easier, the right size for each kind of cichlid, and what to plan before you buy.
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African vs American cichlids
Rift lake color or Amazon personality? How water, diet and temperament differ, and why mixing them rarely works.
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Water parameters
The numbers that matter, a cheat sheet for each cichlid type, and a water change routine that works.
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Your first fish
Hardy, colorful starter species for every tank type, and how to bring them home the right way.
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Compatibility
The simple rules for mixing species, cutting aggression and choosing tank mates that will not become dinner.
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Feeding cichlids
Match the food to the fish, feed less than you think, and keep mbuna away from heavy protein.
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Breeding cichlids
Substrate spawners, mouthbrooders and how to raise your first batch of fry.
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Water changes and maintenance
The weekly routine that keeps cichlid tanks clear, stable and healthy.
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Common diseases
Spot problems early. Signs, likely causes and first steps for the illnesses keepers see most.
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Quarantining new fish
A cheap spare tank that can save your whole collection. How to do it right.
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Oscar care
South America’s big personality. Tank size, food and tank mates for healthy oscars.
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Aquascaping and rockwork
Stable rock, the right sand and plants that survive digging fish.
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Stocking a tank
Why the inch per gallon rule fails cichlids, plus sample plans by tank size.
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Fire eel care
A stunning spiny eel that grows big. Sand, a tight lid and a large tank are a must.
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Peacock eel care
The friendliest spiny eel for a first oddball tank. Sand, caves and live or frozen food.
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Bichir care
Prehistoric looking, air breathing predators. Big footprint, tight lid, meaty food.
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Freshwater puffers
Pea puffers to Fahaka. Which puffers are truly freshwater and how to keep their teeth trim.
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Black ghost knifefish
A graceful, electric sensing night swimmer. Needs space, a hiding tube and pristine water.
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Pleco care
Not just algae eaters. Which plecos stay small and what they really eat.
Read the guideBreeding African cichlids
Ratios, holding females and raising the fry of Malawi mouthbrooders.
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Breeding angelfish
From a bonded pair to free swimming fry. Slates, eggs and baby brine shrimp.
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Breeding guppies and livebearers
The easiest fish to breed. Ratios, gestation and how to save more fry.
Read the guideBreeding bristlenose plecos
One of the easiest plecos to breed. Caves, a cool water change and plenty of veggies.
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More reading from the blog
Why Oscars Are Called the Dogs of the Aquarium
They know your face, beg at the glass and redecorate on their own schedule.
Read the postMalawi, Tanganyika and Victoria: The African Cichlid Lakes Explained
Mbuna, peacocks, frontosa and shell dwellers: which lake is which, and why it matters.
Read the post7 Mistakes New Cichlid Keepers Make (and How to Avoid Them)
From skipping the cycle to the tank that is too small. Easy fixes for each.
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Planning a Central American Cichlid Tank: Convicts, Firemouths and Jack Dempseys
Big color and big attitude. How to plan a tank for Central Americans.
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