Question About Cichlids

[HurleyInferno]

i was considering getting a chiclid for my tank, but i know they are agressive. I'm just wondering if they are agressive in a tank that already has already been established and they are introduced to. The tank i have has a gourami and some platies

 

[abzorbd]

I wouldn't suggest it. Africans need harder water and don't generally do well with smaller livebearers. You'll either lose your platy or your african.

 

[Larissa]

What size tank do you have? You may be able to add some South American dwarf cichlids but I think Africans would be too agressive for your current fish.

 

[dthoffsett]

I agree with the others, Africans won't work for your establish tank.

Those from Lake Malawi (mbuna, haps, & peacocks) should be only kept in an African Cichlid community and a minimum 4-ft tank. They also require a high PH to thrive, and would be far to aggressive for "standard" community fish.

A lot of cichlids from Lake Tanganikya stay smaller, however you still need a very high PH and would have aggression issue.

As Larissa suggested you may be able to get a South/Central American cichlid or two, I'd suggest posting in New World Cichlids for suggestions, be sure to post your complete stocking and tank size gallons/dimensions for better suggestions.