Cichlids

The Red Empress Protomelas taeniolatus (previously Haplochromis taeniolatus) is very dazzling in its adult male colors. It is an endemic species found only in Lake Malawi, Africa, but there are a number of color variations depending on where in the lake they originate. The females however are not...

Strictly speaking, decor isn’t necessary for a tank containing an adult, provided the lighting is fairly dim. You can however add some large chunks of bogwood, beech branches or smooth rocks if you wish. Ensure that any such furnishings are too heavy to be moved around or secured to the tank in s...

The Demon Earth Eater (Satanopera Jurupari) is another ultra-colurful and relatively peaceful cichlid that can be a major standout in the aquarium!   The Demon Earth Eater (Satanopera Jurupari) is a very beautiful and surprisingly peaceful cichlid that is native to Brazil. It is regarded as one o...

Powder Blue cichlid or Pindani is a fairly well-known & popular fish among the cichlid community. Both males & females of the species have a light blue body with the males usually having a brighter blue sheen. Both sexes also display egg spots on the anal fin, with the males again having...

Common name: Blue Ahli, Blue Hap, Electric Blue Ahli Scientific name: Sciaenochromis Ahli, Cyrtocara Ahli, Haplochromis Ahli, Haplochromis Jacksoni Average Adult Fish Size: 17cm / 7 Inches Place of Origin: Lake Malawi Typical Tank setup: Rocky Malawi tank with plenty of open swimming space. Recom...

A popular and colorful African Rift Lake Cichlid, the Demasoni Is found along the rocky shoreline areas of Lake Malawi. In the wild, these fish are found in loose aggregations, with males taking up and defending territories among the rocks. In the aquarium, they are aggressive and territorial but...

Aristochromis christyi    The Malawi Hawk Cichlid (Aristochromis christyi) is a unique predator in Lake Malawi. Growing to around twelve inches in length, this uncommon species is among the largest cichlids in this ecosystem and is highly adapted for preying upon the many smaller mbuna and utaka ...

The Yellow Cichlid (Neolamprologus leleupi), also known as the Orange Cichlid, is a small and very active rock-dwelling cichlid that is native to the southern shoreline areas of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. It is extremely popular in the aquarium hobby. In the wild, it spawns on rocks. Its entire b...

Scientific Name: Pseudotropheus elegans Common Name: White Tail Acei Max Size: 6" pH: 7.5-8.4 Hardness: Hard Temperature: 74-82° Aggressiveness: Aggressive Region of Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa Captive Bred or Wild: Captive Bred Diet: Flake food low in protein Compatibility: Mbuna - Melanochromis...

Green Texas Cichlids (Herichthys carpintis) are found in northern Mexico. They are very similar to H. cyanoguttatus, though their spots are larger and more like blotches. They are also slightly less aggressive than H. cyanoguttatus, but still capable of owning a tank.  Scientific Name: Herichthys...

The Yellowtail Acei cichlid is known only from Msuli Point and Luwala Reef. Here it inhabits the sandy/rocky shoreline where tree branches hang down into the water or have fallen in, their specialised cuspid dentition allowing them to harvest algae from submerged wood. Schools of 30-50 individual...

An intriguing variety of peacock cichlid, growing to approximately 5 inches, they are valued for their albinism including red eyes and red tinged bodies. As with other peacock cichlids they benefit from a rocky, sandy set-up around which they can socialise, challenge for territory and engage in b...