Explore all cichlids - south american in our database. Browse detailed care guides, compatibility information, and species data to find the perfect fish for your aquarium.
Apistogramma agassizii
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid known for its distinct spade-shaped tail and brilliant color morphs. They are bottom-dwelling micro-predators that sift sand for food. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they are highly territorial when breeding. They thrive in soft, acidic blackwater conditions.
Mikrogeophagus altispinosus
A hardy and relatively peaceful dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon river basin. Compared to the popular German Blue Ram, the Bolivian Ram is larger, much more forgiving of water parameters, and prefers slightly cooler temperatures. They are eartheaters (geophagine) that sift through the substrate for food, making soft sand an absolute requirement to prevent gill damage.
Apistogramma cacatuoides
A highly popular and vibrant dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon basin. Named for the male's flamboyant, crest-like dorsal fin. They are cave-spawners that require a fine sand substrate (which they sift through their gills) and plenty of hiding spots. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they become fiercely territorial when breeding.
Symphysodon aequifasciatus
Known as the 'King of the Aquarium', Discus are stunning, heavily laterally-compressed cichlids. They are famous for their demanding husbandry, requiring high temperatures (28-32°C / 82-90°F), pristine water quality, and specialized diets. They are schooling fish that establish a strict pecking order and must be kept in groups to prevent intense bullying of a single weaker fish.
Pterophyllum scalare
The most iconic South American Cichlid, known for its distinct arrowhead shape and majestic fins. While domestic strains are hardy, they remain cichlids: they are semi-aggressive predators that will eat any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras). They form loose shoals as juveniles but pair off and become territorial as they mature. Height is more important than length for this species.
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
A strikingly colorful dwarf cichlid native to the Orinoco River basin. Famous for its vibrant blue spangles and peaceful demeanor compared to larger cichlids. They are strictly thermophilic (require high temperatures of 27-30°C / 81-86°F) and thrive in soft, acidic water. As 'earth-eaters' (Mikrogeophagus), they sift sand for food and form monogamous pairs.
Andinoacara rivulatus
A large, incredibly colorful, and highly aggressive South American cichlid. Known for their striking metallic green/blue scales and vibrant orange or white tail margins. As their name suggests, they are highly territorial and require very careful tankmate selection, usually only coexisting with other large, robust cichlids or armored catfish in very large tanks.
Cleithracara maronii
A remarkably peaceful and shy South American cichlid, named for the distinctive keyhole-shaped black marking on its flank. Unlike many of its cousins, it rarely digs or destroys plants and makes an excellent resident for a peaceful community tank. When stressed or frightened, it can rapidly mottle its colors to blend in with its surroundings.
Astronotus ocellatus
A highly intelligent, large, and personable South American cichlid often described as a 'water dog'. They are notoriously messy eaters, heavy waste producers, and will enthusiastically rearrange tank decor and uproot plants. Any fish small enough to fit in their mouth will be eaten. They require excellent filtration and strict water maintenance.
Geophagus sp. 'Red Head Tapajos'
A stunning and relatively peaceful South American Eartheater, recently formally described as Geophagus pyrocephalus. They are named for the bright red/orange coloration that develops on the heads of mature adults. As 'eartheaters', they constantly sift substrate through their gills to find food, making fine sand an absolute requirement to prevent injury. They are social cichlids that must be kept in groups.
Heros severus
Severums are large, deep-bodied South American cichlids often called the 'Poor Man's Discus'. They are relatively peaceful for their size compared to other large cichlids, but they are notorious plant destroyers with a highly herbivorous diet. They require spacious aquariums with excellent filtration.
Uaru amphiacanthoides
A large, relatively peaceful but highly gregarious South American cichlid. Often kept with Discus due to their shared need for very warm, pristine, acidic water. They are notorious herbivores that will devour almost any aquatic plant, and they actually require grazing on driftwood for proper digestion. They must be kept in groups.
