Explore all cichlids - african in our database. Browse detailed care guides, compatibility information, and species data to find the perfect fish for your aquarium.
Anomalochromis thomasi
A peaceful, colorful dwarf cichlid from West Africa. Unlike many cichlids, it is plant-safe and generally suitable for community tanks. It is famous in the hobby as an efficient biological control for pest snails.
Hemichromis bimaculatus
A strikingly beautiful but notoriously aggressive West African riverine cichlid. Unlike the alkaline-loving Rift Lake cichlids (e.g., Mbuna), Jewel Cichlids prefer neutral, softer water parameters. They are renowned for their brilliant red breeding dress and iridescent blue spots, but also for their extreme territoriality, especially when forming pairs and spawning. They are avid diggers and will uproot most plants.
Melanochromis auratus
The Auratus Cichlid is a stunning but notoriously aggressive Mbuna from Lake Malawi. They exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism. They are strictly rock-dwellers that graze on algae (aufwuchs). Due to their hyper-aggressive nature, they must be kept in species-only or carefully managed, overstocked Mbuna setups with a strict harem ratio (1 male to several females) to disperse aggression.
Cyrtocara moorii
A striking blue Lake Malawi Haplochromine cichlid famous for the pronounced nuchal hump (head bump) that develops in mature adults, resembling a dolphin. They are benthopelagic micro-predators that naturally follow digging fish in the wild to catch stirred-up morsels. While relatively peaceful for an African Cichlid, they grow very large and require extensive swimming space and hard, alkaline water.
Chindongo demasoni
A stunning but notoriously aggressive dwarf Mbuna from Lake Malawi. Known for its intense dark blue and black vertical stripes. They are strict herbivores (Aufwuchs grazers) and prone to 'Malawi Bloat' if fed high-protein diets. Due to extreme aggression toward their own kind, they require specific stocking densities.
Tropheus duboisi
An iconic Lake Tanganyika cichlid famous for its dramatic life-stage color change. Juveniles are jet black with brilliant white polka-dots, while adults develop a blue head and a distinctive yellow or white vertical band across a dark body. They are highly aggressive toward their own kind and must be kept in large colonies (10+) to disperse aggression. They are strict herbivores that require a specialized diet to avoid fatal digestive issues.
Neolamprologus brichardi
An elegant but fiercely territorial Lake Tanganyika cichlid. They are famous for their complex social structure, forming massive, multi-generational colonies where older siblings help defend and raise new fry. Due to their extreme territoriality when breeding, they are best kept in a species-only tank, as they will aggressively eliminate non-colony tank mates.
Cyphotilapia frontosa
A majestic and iconic deep-water cichlid from Lake Tanganyika, famous for its striking black and white bands and the prominent nuchal hump on its head. Despite their massive size, they are gentle giants compared to other African cichlids. However, they are highly effective piscivores and will easily consume smaller fish. They are best kept in a 'harem' colony of one male to multiple females.
Pelvicachromis pulcher
A vibrant and highly popular dwarf cichlid native to the slow-moving rivers of West Africa. Unlike Rift Lake African cichlids, they prefer soft, slightly acidic water and densely planted tanks. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but become fiercely territorial and aggressive when breeding, often digging pits in the substrate and claiming the bottom zone. They are cave spawners and require hiding spots like driftwood or coconut shells.
Julidochromis transcriptus
The Masked Julie is the smallest species in the Julidochromis genus, endemic to the rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika. They are torpedo-shaped, crevice-dwelling cichlids with striking black and white checkerboard patterns. While generally peaceful toward other species that occupy different water columns, they are highly territorial and violently aggressive toward their own kind once a monogamous breeding pair is established.
Aulonocara sp.
Endemic to Lake Malawi, Peacock Cichlids are highly sought after for the breathtaking colors of the males. They are benthivorous, using sensory pores on their jaws to hunt small invertebrates in the sand. While territorial, they are generally peaceful compared to their aggressive Mbuna cousins. They require hard, alkaline water and a sandy substrate to prevent gill damage while sifting.
Neolamprologus multifasciatus
The smallest known cichlid in the world, endemic to Lake Tanganyika. They live, breed, and seek refuge in empty snail shells. They form highly entertaining, constantly digging colonies where multiple generations live together. Sand substrate and an abundance of empty shells (such as escargot shells) are strictly required for their survival and natural behavior.
Labidochromis caeruleus
The Electric Yellow Lab is one of the most popular and widely kept African Cichlids from Lake Malawi. Classified as an Mbuna (rock-dwelling cichlid), they are famous for their vibrant yellow coloration and striking black dorsal stripes. While considered one of the most 'peaceful' Mbuna, they are still highly territorial cichlids that require hard, alkaline water, a sandy substrate for digging, and abundant rockwork to establish territories.
