Cichlids - Central American

Explore all cichlids - central american in our database. Browse detailed care guides, compatibility information, and species data to find the perfect fish for your aquarium.

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 Fish Profiles

Blood Parrot Cichlid

Hybrid cichlid (Blood Parrot)

22 cm Semi-Aggressive

A highly popular man-made hybrid (most commonly a cross between a Midas Cichlid and a Redhead Cichlid). They are known for their bright orange/red coloration, nuchal humps, and distinctive 'smiling' deformed mouths. Due to their mouth anatomy, they cannot bite effectively, which makes them less lethal than purebred Central American cichlids, though they retain strong territorial instincts and will aggressively 'bump' tankmates. They are messy eaters and produce a high bioload.

Convict Cichlid

Amatitlania nigrofasciata

Cichlids - Central American

15 cm Aggressive

One of the most ubiquitous and hardy cichlids in the hobby. Named for their black-and-white prison stripe pattern, Convicts are infamous for their intense aggression, especially when breeding (which they do readily). They are intelligent, wet pets that rearrange their tank décor constantly. Best kept in species-only tanks or with other robust Central American cichlids.

Firemouth Cichlid

Thorichthys meeki

Cichlids - Central American

15 cm Semi-Aggressive

A popular Central American cichlid famous for the bright red coloration on its throat and belly, which it flares to intimidate rivals. They are earth-eaters, constantly sifting sand for food. While territorial, especially during breeding, they are relatively peaceful for a cichlid of their size compared to larger Central American counterparts.

Flowerhorn Cichlid

Hybrid cichlid (Amphilophus cross)

Cichlids - Central American

30 cm Highly Aggressive

A man-made hybrid cichlid famous for its vibrant colors, extreme interactive personality, and the large nuchal hump (kok) on its head. They are incredibly aggressive 'wet pets' that will attack hands, tank mates, and equipment. They have a massive bioload, dig constantly, and must almost always be kept completely alone.

Jack Dempsey

Rocio octofasciata

Cichlids - Central American

25 cm Aggressive

A robust, highly territorial Central American cichlid named after the aggressive 1920s boxer, William 'Jack' Dempsey. They exhibit beautiful iridescent blue, green, and gold spangling over a dark background. As aggressive diggers and plant destroyers, they require a tank with sturdy decor. They are best kept as a single wet pet or in a large tank with other similarly sized, robust Central American cichlids.

Jaguar Cichlid

Parachromis managuensis

Cichlids - Central American

40 cm Highly Aggressive

A massive, apex predator from Central America known for its striking jaguar-like pattern and extreme aggression. Jaguars are highly intelligent, wet-pet fish but require enormous aquariums and heavy filtration. They will consume any fish that fits in their mouth and aggressively rearrange their environment.

Red Devil Cichlid

Amphilophus labiatus

Cichlids - Central American

35 cm Highly Aggressive

A massive, extremely aggressive Central American cichlid. Aptly named, the Red Devil is highly intelligent, interactive, and famous for 'glass-banging' at their owners. They are powerful diggers that will uproot plants and rearrange decor. Because of their sheer aggression and jaw strength, they are almost exclusively kept as 'wet pets' in solitary setups.

Texas Cichlid

Herichthys cyanoguttatus

Cichlids - Central American

30 cm Aggressive

The Texas Cichlid is the only cichlid species native to the United States. Known for their striking pearlescent blue/green spots and extreme territorial behavior, they require large tanks and robust filtration. They are notorious for rearranging aquariums, digging massive pits, and destroying live plants.