Cichlid Typing

[BaylorPerez]

So a friend of mine has several cichlids, i know 1 is a electric blue and another is a yellow cichlid(same size as the electric blue cichlid). so my question is. Is the only way to tell a cichlid species apart is when its full color shows? or is their a different way as well( i ask because my LFS has a set of assorted South African Cichlids that they dont even know what they are as well.(as they are juviniles with a whitish tint to their bodys)

 

[fluttermoth]

Identifying cichlids is a very, very difficult task indeed. You cannot rely on colour, as many different species share similar colouration. If your LFS want to ID these fish, then they'll need a specialist book on the relevant fish family/area.
 
In many cases, identifying a particular species can mean things like counting fin rays and scales in certain areas.
 
My mum used to keep mbuna, which also hybridise very readily if mixed wrongly, so I know the pain of trying to reliably ID tanks of 'mixed cichlids'

 

[BaylorPerez]

i mean, they have a 250Gal tank with 3 clown loaches, 1 African Catfish, 3 Yellow BristleNose Plecos, and 6 - 8 Cichlids, 2 are peacock cichlids. the others are a electric blue, yellow cichlids a orangish blue one and several red cichlids. as i am sure of the blue one being a electric blue as thats the only one i know with that light blue coloring 

 

[RainboWBacoN420]

Rams are easy for me, it's when it comes to the Apistogramma varieties is when I have a difficult time.

 

[BaylorPerez]

i am curious, which are better for color centerpieces, rams or regular Cichlids

 

[fluttermoth]

What's a 'regular cichlid'? 

 

[BaylorPerez]

well the ones that usually grow anywhere from 4-8Inches( the big ones you usually see in pet stores in like a 100+gal tank along with BN Plecos and the giant Catfish(african Catfish))

 

[Baccus]

Aside from colour centre piece with cichlids you also need to consider their destructive tendencies. Many of the really large cichlids will destroy plants (even plastic ones) so if you wanted a nice plant scaped tank with those types of cichlids it will never work, then there is the aggression issues some cichlids are more feisty than others. In my opionion its generally better to go the smaller often more docile cichlids that wont demolish plants and are tolerant towards other fish species. All to often you will see large cichlids that have out grown their tank and over stayed their welcome by becoming murderers being sold off, and not everyone has the kind of room these larger cichlids need in the long run.
But not all small cichlids are docile, Red Jewels for instance often have hate in their hearts when it comes to pairing and breeding and will not tolerate any other fish in often the entire tank.

 

[BaylorPerez]

this is why, when i do get a cichlid tank, im going to get mainly fake plants as i may have only 1-2 live plants but its mostly going to be a caved tank, where rocks(glued together with fish safe glue) and safe cave formations that wont break the tank will have to be done, as i know they are a active species where they "dig" alot as well

 

[fluttermoth]

I think you need to decide which sort of cichlid you're going to go for. There are three main 'families';
 
South American: tend to be smaller and more peaceful. Many can be kept in planted tanks and in communities. Most prefer softer, acidic waters, often tannin stained.
 
Central American: vary from large to very large, and from semi aggressive to very aggressive. Robust planting, if any, and tough tank mates. Most prefer medium to hard waters, neutral or slightly alkaline.
 
African: mostly very aggressive, and most for species/cichlid only tanks (many people concentrate on keeping fish from one river or lake; Malawi, or Victoria, for example). In general, African tanks need to be kept very heavily stocked to keep the aggression spread around. Need very hard water, heavy filtration and water changes, because of the heavy stocking, plus lots and lots of rocky caves; no plants.
 
Of course, you should check the details of the exact species before you buy, as cichlids vary a lot, even in the same family.

 

[BaylorPerez]

well, our water is a Ph of 7.8 - 8.0. with the filter she will be using is a Emperor 80Gal filter. fake plants will be used as well as alot of rocks for the Fire eel she wants to add. As well as a BN Pleco.
 
GH is around 4 - 6. so i am assuming african cichilds will be used for the tank