What’s the best dwarf cichlid?

[Fishkeeper123]

Dwarf cichlids are very popular for many reasons like being able to be kept in smaller tanks. As well as this they are normally more peaceful( not always). So here’s the question which dwarf cichlid do you think is the best and your personal experience with them. Anything around the 12cm and under counts.

For me it has to be the keyhole cichlid. Maybe my favourite fish I have if not definitely my favourite cichlid. They are great fish and they border “dwarf” however they are very peaceful and in my opinion the best cichlid. They aren’t super territorial and even though I don’t keep them with smaller fish like neon tetras or rummynose they are unlikely to eat them. Therefore my vote goes for them.

What’s your favourite?( it’s not on the pole I’ll add it on.)

 

[GaryE]

My favourite would include the kribensis, but not the kribensis.

Yeah.

The hobby kribensis is Pelvicachromis pulcher. It was misidentified as kribensis in shipments many decades ago, and got that name. It's a great fish. But my favourite dwarf Cichlid is Pelvicachromis kribensis, a smaller, less available but very variable depending on where it comes from Cichlid. I like the Moliwe location best. The photo is two females showing off.

 

[CassCats]

I am biased, but apistogramma borelli for me. I have a Bolivian ram, but by far I think the apistogramma borelli has the better personality.

And I like the color scheme. Nice cool tones. Other apistos are spicy warm tones, but borelli is chill and overall a nice fish. Might get some flack for not being as "flashy" as other apistogramma, but honestly I think these are great and a really nice docile apistogramma.

 

[Back in the fold]

If you’ve never kept a dwarf cichlid then the Pelvicachromis pulcher ( Kribensis ) is the one to get your first experience with . I have had them spawn and raise fry and I am not a dwarf cichlid keeper by any stretch of the imagination . If you have good basic aquarium keeping and maintenance skills and a few years under your belt keeping tropical fish successfully this is the one for you . They’re pretty too and don’t tear up planted aquariums .