New to the cichlid species

[gingerbread27]

I just saw my first cichlids this afternoon and I am researching them. Not sure what specific species they were, they were at walmart. I am in the process of aquiring some tanks so I was looking into some different types of fish. I am curious to know what species would be the easiest to start with, and which are less aggressive.

 

[Vip]

I would say blue rams, there easy to take care of, easy to breed and get along fine with most fish.

 

[digital_run]

I'd say that if you were looking at 20 gal or more go with a pair of Keyhole cichlids...There very peaceful Microhunters who swim around picking at the bottom...and eat flakes at the top with my barbs....They have lots of personality and from what ive read/seen there hardy... ...Now i wouldn;t really want to get my fish from walmart...as the ones i have here suck for fish ( dirty tanks/dead fish etc..)....so maybe if you had a store that sold fish specf.....anyways heres a pic so you know what he looks like... schoalin with the tigers

excuse the flash

 

[LIVEBait]

A few things to research:

Try to plan the largest tank you are willing to afford and maintain.
Some cichlids like Oscars grow quite large, thus requiring large aquariums.
What size tank are you interested in setting up?

Do you want a bunch of small cichlids?...Keyholes, Rams, Appistos.

Or maybe medium sized, Firemouths, Convicts.

Or only a few specimens of the larger size...Oscars, Jack Dempsey, Green Terror, Red Devil/Midas etc.

Many, many choices to consider. Its great you're willing to do research before hand.