Cichlid
Beginner friendly African cichlids
- Yellow lab (Labidochromis caeruleus): bright yellow, one of the most peaceful mbuna.
- Rusty cichlid (Iodotropheus sprengerae): calm for an mbuna, with a unique rusty purple color.
- Acei (Pseudotropheus sp. "acei"): peaceful, swims in groups in open water.
- Peacocks (Aulonocara): stunning males, best in a peacock focused tank.
Beginner friendly South American cichlids
- Bolivian ram (Mikrogeophagus altispinosus): hardier than the German blue ram and full of personality.
- Keyhole cichlid (Cleithracara maronii): shy and gentle, great for community tanks.
- Cockatoo dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma cacatuoides): one of the hardier apistos.
- Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus): huge personality, but it needs a big tank and grows fast.
Beginner friendly Central American cichlids
- Firemouth (Thorichthys meeki): flares a bright red throat, usually more bark than bite.
- Convict (Amatitlania nigrofasciata): very hardy and breeds easily. Pairs get feisty when guarding fry.
How to buy and bring them home
- Make sure the tank is cycled. Test first. Ammonia and nitrite should read 0.
- Buy from a store you trust. Look for clear water, active fish and staff who answer questions. Use our Store Finder.
- Quarantine if you can. A simple 20 gallon tank for a few weeks catches illness before it spreads.
- Acclimate slowly. Float the bag to match temperature, then add small amounts of tank water over 20 to 30 minutes. Net the fish into the tank and discard the bag water.
- Lights off and go easy. Keep lights low the first evening and feed lightly the next day.
How many fish?
There is no perfect formula. For mbuna, keepers often stock a bit heavier with groups of one male to several females to spread aggression, paired with strong filtration and big water changes. For dwarf and South American cichlids, stock lighter and give each pair its own territory. When in doubt, ask in Answers before you buy.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest cichlid for beginners?
Yellow labs are a classic African choice. Bolivian rams, keyholes and firemouths are great New World options.
Should I quarantine new fish?
Yes, if you can. A few weeks in a separate tank helps prevent spreading disease to your main tank.
How do I acclimate new cichlids?
Float the bag to match temperature, slowly add tank water over 20 to 30 minutes, then net the fish into the tank and discard the bag water.
What you will need
- Quarantine tank kitA small separate tank for new arrivals.Check price on Amazon
- Sponge filter and air pumpSimple, safe filter for quarantine.Check price on Amazon
- Quality cichlid pelletsA balanced staple diet.Check price on Amazon
- Fish nets (two sizes)Easier, less stressful catching.Check price on Amazon
- Rock or cave decorTerritory and hiding spots.Check price on Amazon
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