Here is a VERY brief summary. Malawi Cichlids are broken down into three groups, Haps, peacocks and mbuna. I don't know much about haps or peacocks so I will help you with mbuna. Mbuna are usually bright in color. Most mbuna are semi aggressive or aggressive so stocking can be a little difficult. Most max out at 5 inches (some smaller and some larger). Care must be taken while feeding because mbuna are apt to get bloat if over fed. When aquascaping the tank, a lot of rocks must be used to form caves (which act as hiding places for the non dominant species in the tank). Live plants aren't recommended because cichlids like to dig up plants. Mbuna cichlids can be herbivore, carnivores or omnivores so care must be taking when selecting species to keep together. If aggression becomes a problem, over stocking can be an answer so over filtration is recommended. Certain syno cats and plecos can be added to the tank, but other than that, I wouldn't put anything else in there unless you want it dead.
This is SO brief. You really need to read online articles and books. I would recommend just hanging around and learning little things here and there.
