Cichlids
Types of Colorful Cichlids for Sale:
Nicaraguense Cichlid
Cichlids comprise the largest family of freshwater fish and their diverse representation at The Ocean Floor is no exception. A little more than half of our selling tanks and most of our display aquariums are allocated to cichlids. Dive into the wide world of cichlid keeping with us!
About Cichlids
Cichlids are fish from the Cichlidae family, comprising between 2,000 and 3,000 species of fish. They come in a broad variety of colors and shapes, and their sizes can range from about an inch to nearly three feet long! Cichlids are also close relatives of certain saltwater or marine fish such as Damselfish, Wrasses, and Groupers because they share certain distinguishing characteristics.
Where Cichlids are Found
Cichlid varieties can be found in North America, South America, Africa, and Asia, as well as a few islands. Madagascar is an excellent example, containing multiple unique indigenous species including a few cichlids that are exclusive to the island.
North America is home to several Coldwater Cichlid Species including the Texas Cichlid, Bass, Sunfish, Perch, and Bluegill. Most North American Species are unsuitable to be kept in an Aquarium and/or are illegal to keep in the United States.
Cichlids for Sale
The Cichlids you will find at The Ocean Floor are Tropical or warmer in temperature. In relation to Aquarium Suitable Species, Cichlids are primarily classified into the following groups:
- African
- Central/South American
- Dwarf (Apistogramma)
- Angelfish
- Discus
- South American hybrid
Strawberry Peacock Cichlid
Cichlids Temperament
Though some cichlids are able to be kept in a Semi-Aggressive Community Aquarium, most of the time cichlids are very aggressive and a specific cichlid aquarium must be kept to avoid tankmates becoming lunch for the new fish. If you are wishing to build a community tank that includes cichlids, you will need to carefully select your cichlid breeds and tankmates. Also bear in mind that temperaments may vary between cichlids of the same species; just like people, fish have their own unique personalities!
Your cichlids will need to be housed in an appropriately sized tank. It is always better to err on the side of too large of a tank than too small. Tank overcrowding can result in aggression.
A final key to success is to provide plenty of hiding spaces and decorations. This will help break up sightlines and give tankmates a place to hide if your cichlid is ever feeling grumpy.
Environment for Cichlids
Since cichlids originate from wide and varied climate areas, it is important to learn and follow the specific environmental needs of the cichlid(s) you are considering. Avoid mixing cichlids of differing requirements.
Breeding of Cichlids
Most Cichlids breed pretty readily and are easy to care for their fry (baby fish). Cichlids are egg-layers, but there are quite different breeding habits between cichlids. If you are intending to breed your cichlids, we highly recommend speaking to one of the specialists at The Ocean Floor to learn the specific needs of the species.
Parrot Cichlid
Enjoying your Cichlids
Many people start keeping cichlids because they want colorful fish and feel intimidated by saltwater. Unfortunately, this reasoning often leads to frustration on the part of the fish keeper because the fish “just keep fighting and won’t get along”. This is usually because the aquarium owner did not fully understand the nature of their fish since they viewed them as an easier substitute for what they truly wanted and was not prepared for the reality of cichlid ownership.
While not as intensive as many other pets, caring for cichlids is still a major commitment. It is important to decide ahead of time which type of cichlid aquarium you wish to keep and then learn what you can about its requirements before introducing any fish. When undergone with the proper care, education, and preparation, keeping cichlids can be an extremely fulfilling hobby. They are beautiful, entertaining to watch, and can develop a unique bond with their owners.
Expertise with Cichlids
The Ocean Floor is a great place to assist you in starting your cichlid tank because of our extensive selection and ordering capabilities and our team of Cichlid Enthusiasts. Alternatively, if saltwater fish are truly what you are after, our Saltwater Specialists are more than happy to assist you in getting started with a saltwater tank.
Ruby Red Peacock Cichlid
Cichlid owners are happy to keep one or two cichlids in an aquarium because of the interaction they experience with these pets. They are often treated as good as or better than their dog or cat!
Many cichlids are able to recognize certain people and will actively show excitement when their favorite individual enters the room (usually the one who feeds them). Some have been known to even let their owners “pet” them!
With such a wide variety of colors, sizes, and temperaments in the cichlid family, there is bound to be a perfect match for your specific needs! Let The Ocean Floor walk with you as you navigate the world of cichlids and help make your journey easy!
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Ocean Floor Store offers these types of cichlids for sale on a regular basis:
South and Central American Cichlids:
Convict
Difficulty Level: Easy
Temperament: Territorial
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Convict Cichlids are native to the warm rivers of South America. These striking cichlids are named after the black and white stripes on their sides. They may also be called the Zebra Cichlid. Convict Cichlids are very hardy and ideal for beginner hobbyists. Keep in mind they are highly territorial and aggressive to invaders and would therefore not be a good match for those wishing to build a community tank. They have a lifespan of up to eight years and can grow up to 6” in length.
Electric Blue Acara
Difficulty Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive, can be territorial
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
This is a special coloration of the blue acara. Their coloring will make a stunning addition to any aquarium. Males have longer dorsal fins than females. On average, Electric Blue Acara live between 8-10 years in captivity and grow to between 6” and 7” in length. They are among the more peaceful of the cichlid family and can be kept with peaceful fish of similar size. Electric Blue Acara have a tendency to dig, so be sure to include plenty of substrate in your tank!
Flowerhorn
Temperament: Aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons
Flowerhorns are a man-made species, meaning that this fish does not naturally occur in the wild. They can come in a variety of colors, including but not limited to blues, purples, greens, and red. If you get these fish when they are young, you will notice their color change as they get older. Their most notable feature is their iconic bulged head. Flowerhorns are a hardy fish and a good fit for beginners and can live for up to 12 years. You’ll also notice them digging around the bottom of your tank.
Managuense
Temperament: Aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons
Managuense Cichlids are also referred to as Jaguar and Aztec Cichlids. They are naturally found in the waters of Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Managuense Cichlids in captivity will grow to about 14-16” and will need a spacious tank. With proper care, they can live for a whopping 15 years! They will prey on smaller fish but are omnivorous.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Peacock cichlids are a species of fish native to Lake Malawi. They are named for their many bright colors ranging from blues to reds. They also exhibit striping patterns. The average lifespan of a Peacock Cichlid is approximately six to eight years. Females will grow to roughly 4” on average, while males are slightly larger at around 6”. They are one of the most peaceful and friendly cichlids, and can potentially be housed with other peaceful fish.
Synspilum
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
These aggressive fish are known for their red faces. This coloration also gives them the names Redhead and Firehead. They may also be referred to as the Quetzal Cichlid. Males grow a hump on their head and have longer dorsal fins. They are native to Mexico, Belize, and Gualamala. Synspilum Cichlids are largely herbivorous in the wild, and while they are omnivorous in captivity, they will thrive on a variety of vegetable-based foods as a major component of their diets.
African Cichlids
Apache Peacock
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Apache Peacock Cichlids are a man-made variation of Peacock Cichlids. These fish are popular because of their beautiful coloration. The common color is purple with a yellow dorsal fin, but they can also sport stripes and blue coloring.
Frontosa
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
The most notable feature of these fish are the humps on their head. “Humphead” is another name they go by for this reason. Both males and females grow humps, though the male’s protrusion shall be larger to display dominance. They are native to Lake Tanganyika. Frontosa Cichlids typically grow to 12-14” and can live up to 15 years. They will prey on any fish that is too small, but are otherwise one of the more peaceful variety of cichlids.
Livingston’s Cichlid
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 120 gallons
Also called Livingstonii or Livingston’s Hap, Nimbochromis livingstonii can grow to be 10”. They are ambush predators and will “play dead” to get their food. They’ll lay flat on the bottom of their habitat and wait for unsuspecting prey to get within reach. They will appreciate a tank decorated with many caves and crevices in which they may hide. Because of their predatory nature, they may not be the best choice for community tanks, but are peaceful among their own kind.
Red Empress
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons
Red Empress Cichlids are found in the wild only in Lake Malawi. The rainbow coloring of this species makes it a popular choice for aquariums. Ironically, only males show a wide variety of colors. It will keep algae from building up on rocks, as it is one of their primary food sources. They live an average of 5 years, but their lives can be prolonged to up to 10 years with proper care. They are considered unusually docile for cichlids and can potentially be paired with other Malawi Cichlids in a sufficiently-sized tank.
Strawberry Peacock
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
These cichlids are a rare find. Their deep, red color makes them a unique addition to any tank. They need plenty of places to hide.
Tropheus
Temperament: Aggressive
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Tropheus come in many different colors depending on their origins. Six have been scientifically named, and there are more than 50 possible varieties including black, red, ikola, and mpimbwe. They are a hearty breed and are a great option for beginners. They thrive in colonies, tend to be very active, and have distinct personalities.
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