total cichlid no-nothing

[buggyboutbettas]

Just wondered what's the dif (if any). And I wanted some basic info to see if I want to eventually get some or not.

 

[mrV]

South-am. are easier to keep. Africans are more difficult (diff. kind of water).

 

[thecichlidaddict]

I can't agree with that generalization, Africans can be very easy to keep. In my area the tap water is more suited to Africans then New Worlds.

It is actually very difficult to say which is better because there are so many different types. It's best to discuss what you are looking for. They all have something to offer. You need to start reading up as much as you can to get an idea, and see what you like. Did you already have a tank or are you purchasing everything new? Is there anything particular that you have in mind as far as decoration or type of aquarium (species, community, etc)?

 

[buggyboutbettas]

I don't have a tank already nor am I really looking at this time. mostly it was just out of curiousity. Sometime in the future I'ld like to get some cichlids so I just wanted to know what to look for when I do finally get some. And I wanted to know like how large do they get? does male/female make a difference in aggressiveness? any speccial things I should know before getting any?

 

[thecichlidaddict]

AH.

Well, the answer is still not so easy. Cichlids, depending on species, can top out at a mere 1/2 inch, or over 2 feet long! They range from very peaceful to extremely hostile. Usually the male is more aggressive, but sometimes it's the female. They breed as monogomous pairs, single male harems, and full colonies. They come in an incredible amount of shapes and colors. They range from completely herbivorus to full out predetors. Altogether they are a most intriguing and diverse group of fish, it's hard to not keep them once you start.

Here are some links:
cichlid-forum
GCCA
lake malawi cichlids
Amateur Cichlids

(also see below)

 

[buggyboutbettas]

thanks that helps!