Most Favoured Cichlid Species

Although there are many different types of cichlid species, there are handful of fish which have become very popular amongst enthusiasts.

There are many reasons for their popularity. Some are well-loved because of their stunning appearance, while other types for being hardy cichlid species that are easy to keep, feed, and breed.

Cichlids first became popular aquarium fish in 1945. Aquarium enthusiasts found them suitable for home tanks because of their size and because they were easy to feed and bred readily, caring for their brood even in captivity.

Here are six of the most common cichlids that have become popular aquarium fish:

* The Discus Cichlid (Symphysodon SPPI) - Another favorite among aquarium enthusiasts, the discus fish is probably one of the more socialized cichlids. They are probably one of the few schooling cichlids and, in their original habitat, live in large groups.

Discus require much social interaction for them to enhance their character, so when getting discus fish, it is wise to get more than two of them. Their breeding tanks are simple at best-no substrate needed, simple filtration system, and a lot of spawning sites. Eggs will develop only if the water is soft enough.

* Convict cichlid (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus) - This type of cichlid is a good fish for beginners because of its small size and its ease in keeping and breeding. They are not fussy about food or water conditions.

When keeping convict cichlids, one needs to recreate their original habitat, putting in rocks and artificial caves-they'll eventually use these for breeding-into the aquarium. They tend to burrow into the substrate, so external filtration is best for this type of cichlid.

* Oscar fish (Astronotus ocellatus) - Also called oscar, tiger oscar, velvet cichlid, or marble cichlid, the oscar fish comes from South America and have even been considered food fish.

Oscars being such a tough fish will stand all sorts of water types and toxicity levels. This fast-growing fish (it can grow beyond 18 inches) will eat a range of food, including pellets, live food, and flakes. Make sure you feed them enough live food so they stay healthy and their colors stay bright.

* Jack Dempsey - Named after a boxing heavyweight, Jack Dempsey cichlids are easy to breed and feed and can live up to 10 years. It is their stunning coloration that piques people's interest. Jack Dempsey Cichlids show a tan color with some greenish specks when they are younger.

As they mature, their colors turns purple gray with some blue and green highlights while its specks turn gold.

* The Angelfish Cichlid (Pterophyllum Scalare) - Originating from the Amazon, Orinoco, and Essequibo rivers in South America, the angelfish has become one of the more popular cichlids because of its unique, elegant appearance, inquisitive nature, and mild-mannered disposition

* The dwarf cichlid ( Mikrogeophagus ramirezi ) The Ram Cichlid can be a really stunning, little, as well as tranquil cichlid. Although they had been observed over thirty years after their relative the Bolivian Ram, they have already been brought in much more frequently and therefore are much better known.

Although they are a little harder look after and breed, their temperament is alot more laid back than their Bolivian relatives. Even so they do help make a great inhabitant for a neighborhood fish tank with fish of a comparable character.