Keeping cichlids can be a challenge for beginners, due to aggression issues, water parameters, and tank size requirements. However, with the right knowledge and preparation, these beautiful and active fish can thrive in your aquarium.
This guide focuses on African cichlids, one of the more popular varieties available to aquarium hobbyists, and will provide a list of best beginner cichlids based on key areas such as hardiness, availability, and tank size requirements.
A main theme for all of the fish on this list is tank size. Most of these fish will do just fine in a 75 gallon tank, and some could even work out in much smaller tanks. We kept that in mind since most beginners won’t have a 180 gallon or larger tank right off the bat.
African Cichlids: An Overview
African cichlids hail from three large lakes in Eastern Africa: Lake Tanganyika, Lake Victoria, and the most diverse, Lake Malawi. In the aquarium hobby, some of the most commonly seen African cichlids are typically Mbunas and include the popular yellow lab, demasoni, and zebra mbuna.
Not all African cichlids are made equal. There’s a lot of variation between species in terms of size, color and temperament.
Read also: Guide to African Cichlids
Although the Americas have a good bunch, the undisputed winner when it comes to cichlid variety is Africa. Each corner of the continent boasts at least a few species, with the West-African river systems in particular being a bit of a hotspot. Still, the West is nothing compared to the Rift Lakes. Lake Malawi, Victoria, and Tanganyika together contain over 1,000 described cichlid species.
All this makes African Rift Lake cichlids an aquarist’s dream. It’s not surprising there are so many Rift Lake tanks out there despite their somewhat challenging requirements (notably the hard, alkaline water). So many fish. So many colors. So many fascinating behaviors. And so many ways to combine them!
Key Considerations for African Cichlid Care:
- Tank Size: Cichlids grow larger and produce more waste, requiring larger tanks.
- Water Parameters: African cichlids thrive in water with a pH in the range between 7.5 pH and 8.5 pH, but be sure to find the ideal pH for the species you are purchasing.
- Territoriality: Provide lots of rocky hiding places to mimic their natural habitat and mitigate aggression.
Top 10 Beginner-Friendly African Cichlids
Here's a list of African cichlids that are generally considered good choices for beginners, based on their hardiness, availability, and manageable tank size requirements.
- Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata): The Convict cichlid is one of the most beginner friendly choices of all cichlids. Convicts are extremely hardy fish that can hold their own with a variety of tank mates, and they stay relatively small so they do not require a massive tank. Convicts can withstand many beginner level mistakes and survive when many other fish would not. Convict cichlids can also work in many tank setups with a variety of tank mates. Convicts can also do just fine in “smaller” aquariums, with a recommended tank size of 30+ gallons.
- Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki): The Firemouth cichlid is a staple of the aquarium hobby, and one of the most colorful species to keep. The Firemouth cichlid is a Central American cichlid that stays medium in size, so they don’t require a massive aquarium. They are usually semi-aggressive, so they are compatible with many other cichlids and community fish. Firemouth cichlids may pick off smaller tetras or barbs once they are adults, but it can sometimes work well. Firemouth cichlids are relatively hardy fish and they are very easy to breed, making them ideal for beginners. I would recommend a tank size of at least 40 gallons for one Firemouth, with some sand, driftwood, and rocks throughout their tank. The coloration on the Firemouth is another reason they are great for most tanks, as they have bright red along their bottom and dark grey bodies. They will also develop some blue spangling along their fins as they grow into adults.
- Yellow Lab (Labidochromis caeruleus): The Yellow Lab (Labidochromis caeruleus) is maybe the most peaceful of all mbuna species. Due to this peaceful nature, they are great options for a beginner getting into African cichlids. The Yellow Lab would do well in a tank with other mbuna, in a tank with many rocks and caves for them to swim through and hide from others. They can go well with the Yellow Tail Acei, as mentioned earlier, as well as many of the other mbuna species. The Yellow Lab has bright yellow coloration with some black trim on their fins.
- Electric Blue Acara (Andinoacara pulcher): A great choice for any beginner is the Electric Blue Acara. They have bright blue colors, and they have that at a young age and throughout adulthood. The pop of color looks amazing when you have a community aquarium. Electric Blue Acaras do well with a lot of other American cichlids, so they can work out for many different setups. From as big to the Oscar to as small as a keyhole cichlid, they have a large range of compatibility with other cichlids. They really hold their own against some of the more aggressive fish out there as well. The Electric Blue Acara maxes out around 6-7 inches in length, so you don’t need a massive tank to keep them. They are pretty active swimmers though, so I would recommend a 55 gallon or larger. My Electric Blue Acaras swim back and forth all day and provides a lot of activity to the tank, along with that pop of bright blue color. Electric blue acara are relatively hardy as well, not to be confused with the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey, which has a reputation of being difficult to keep.
- Severum Cichlid (Heros severus): Another one of my all time favorite cichlids is the Severum cichlid. I currently have 3 in my 180 gallon aquarium. I love the Severum due to its many color variations and peaceful nature. They really are gentle giants, and most of the time will just slowly float around in the tank. They seem to be very smart and size me up, always wanting more food. Severums are very curious fish and have a great personality. My single favorite fish I’ve ever kept is “Big Red”. He’s a red spot gold Severum, or sometimes just a called a Gold Severum. He’s been such a great tank mate over the years for many different South American cichlids, including Geophagus species, Electric Blue Acaras, and a Chocolate cichlid. The great thing about Severums is that they can hold their own against larger tank mates but also go well with smaller fish since they have small mouths and are relatively peaceful cichlids. Severums are very hardy cichlids as well, making them perfect for beginners. They do get large though, so I would recommend a 55 gallon tank at minimum, but a 75 gallon or greater would really be ideal for an adult with tank mates.
- Yellow Tail Acei (Pseudotropheus acei): One of the best options for beginners looking to keep African cichlids is the Yellow Tail Acei (Pseudotropheus acei). In general, mbuna cichlids are aggressive and are typically placed in overstocked tanks to mitigate that aggression. However, one of the more peaceful mbuna cichlids is the Yellow Tail Acei. They have blueish purple in their body and a bright yellow tail, which makes them stand out in a tank. I used to have a few in my mbuna tank a few years back and they were one of my favorites in the tank due to their color and relatively peaceful nature.
- Apistogramma: One of my favorite cichlids is the Apistogramma. There are many different types of Apistogramma, which can come in a ton of varieties and with a wide range of colors. Since they stay small at (topping out around 3 inches), they are perfect for beginners due to a tank size. Apistogramma can comfortably fit in a 20 gallon tank. They are also peaceful and can go with most community fish. In fact, they were our top choice on our list for Top 10 Community Cichlids. I have a Apistogramma macmasteri, he’s been an awesome centerpiece for a smaller tank. Apistogramma are South American cichilds, so they do best in softer water with a lower PH.
- Kribensis Cichlid (Pelvicachromis pulcher): Kribensis cichlids are often available at the big box stores like Petco and PetSmart, and they are good options for beginners due to their smaller size, great colors, and peaceful nature for a cichlid. Kribensis cichlids can go well in most community setups and are usually docile in comparison to other cichlids. Tank size can also be relatively modest at around 30-40 gallons being sufficient, and they usually be kept in planted aquariums without issues. Kribensis cichlids are actually African cichlids; however, they do not originate from the rift lakes like many others. Kribensis come from west African river systems, so they aren’t really categorized or even similar to mbuna, peacocks and haps. Due to this, they can be kept in softer water with lower PH than most rift lake African cichlids.
- Electric Blue Hap (Sciaenochromis fryeri): Coming in at number 9 on the list is the Sciaenochromis Fryeri, the electric blue hap. I have one in my 125 gallon lake Malawi hap tank, and although he’s smaller than the rest of the Lake Malawi haps in the tank, he holds his own. They are great for beginners due to their compatibility with a lot of different African cichlid setups. They can hold their own with bigger predatory haps , and they can also work with some peacocks and even mbuna in the right situation. The males also have bright blue colors at a young age, so you get to see that awesome pop of color right away, while some other African cichlids might take awhile to color up fully. Although they stay about 6-7 inches in max length, I would recommend a 75 gallon tank at a minimum as they are open water swimmers.
- Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata): One of our all time favorite cichlids is the Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata). I currently have “Jack” in my 75 gallon tank in my classroom, along with one of his offspring in another tank. Jack was the first cichlid I ever owned, and it’s what made me obsessed with cichlid keeping. Jack Dempsey cichlids are one of the hardiest cichlids you will ever find. I inherited and rescued Jack from a teacher who had passed away and his tank was extremely dirty. I fixed up his tank all those years ago and now he’s an awesome colorful adult. I really don’t know what other fish could’ve made it through that situation, but I’m glad Jack did. Jack Dempsey cichlids are Central American cichlids that can usually do well in a tank with similarly sized American cichlids and some of the larger barbs and tetras. The main reason Jack Dempsey’s are number 10 on the list, and not higher, is that some of them can be aggressive. It can be a little bit of challenge to manage that aggression if you’re new to cichlids, but most Jack Dempsey’s we’ve had have actually been pretty docile.
Cichlid Types
- Mbuna: meaning “rockfish” in Malawi’s native Tonga language.
- Utaka: kind of the opposite of an mbuna.
- Hap: basically any fish from the tribe Haplochromini that doesn’t fall in the above categories.
- Fairy: A subgroup in the genus Neolamprologus, also known as the Brichardi complex.
- Shellie: That home, by the way (as the term “shell dweller” suggests) is a shell.
- Tropheus: White-spotted cichlids are naturally found in rocky, relatively deep waters in Lake Tanganyika.
- Compressiceps: This compressiceps-type cichlid (so named for its laterally compressed body shape) is appreciated by aquarists for its even temper.
Species Profiles
Aulonocara nyassae (Blue Peacock)
Also known as the blue peacock or emperor cichlid, Aulonocara nyassae is a rather spectacular way to kick off this list. The wild form is appreciated by cichlid enthusiasts for its dazzling, metallic-blue coloration, but there are also hybrids out there that were crossed with other Malawi cichlids to create crazy color morphs. The genus Aulonocara, known as the peacock cichlids, is the focal point of many an African cichlid tank. The blue peacock is no exception.
This sand-sifting variety is naturally found in southern Lake Malawi, where it lives in small groups usually led by one breeding male. The blue peacock cichlid reaches a maximum size of around 6” and can be kept in aquariums of 55 gallons and up.
Read also: African Cichlid Stocking Tips
Tip: Keep in mind that only male peacock cichlids display the typical spectacular coloration.
| Type | Max. length | Min. tank volume |
|---|---|---|
| Hap (though often considered their own category: peacocks) | 6″ | 55 gallons |
Electric Yellow Cichlid
Another aquarium favorite that naturally occurs in Lake Malawi is the appropriately named electric yellow cichlid. Also sometimes known as the yellow lab, a reference to its scientific name, this fish is naturally found on the western shores of the lake at depths of at least 32 ft.
The electric yellow cichlid is a popular choice among beginning African cichlid keepers due to its relatively peaceful nature. Keep these fish in harems to avoid overly aggressive spawning attempts and territorial displays on the part of the males. Other peaceful cichlids work well to finish the community.
| Type | Max. length | Min. tank volume |
|---|---|---|
| Mbuna | 4″ | 30 gallons |
Electric Blue Cichlid (Sciaenochromis fryeri)
Shimmering, metallic blues and yellows… what more could we ask for? Given their size, electric blue cichlids are best suited to aquariums of 80 gallons (long) and up.
| Type | Max. length | Min. tank volume |
|---|---|---|
| Hap | 8″ | 80 gallons |
Venustus Cichlid (Nimbochromis venustus)
A relatively large species, reaching a maximum length of around 10”, the Venustus cichlid (Nimbochromis venustus) is naturally found in Lake Malawi. Venustus cichlids are not the best choice for the general community aquarium, as they’re lethal ambush hunters that will catch and kill their tankmates if they get the chance. Anything small enough to fit in the mouth of a Venustus will inevitably disappear in there. This is a fish eater by nature. Although most will take pellets, regular servings of shelled shrimp and whitebait wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Read also: Best Rocks for African Cichlids
| Type | Max. length | Min. tank volume |
|---|---|---|
| Hap | 10″ | 75 gallons |
Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid (Maylandia callainos)
Native to rocky areas in northern Lake Malawi, the cobalt blue zebra cichlid isn’t really among the more appropriately named fish on today’s list. This cichlid was long scientifically known as Pseudotropheus callainos and is still sometimes referred to as such in the hobby, even though its correct current name is Maylandia callainos (ah, the woes of fish taxonomy!). The blue cobalt cichlid grows to a maximum length of around 5.5″, but is known to be quite feisty, particularly toward its own kind.
| Type | Max. length | Min. tank volume |
|---|---|---|
| Mbuna | 5.5″ | 55 gallons |
Frontosa Cichlid (Cyphotilapia frontosa)
Also known as humphead cichlids due to their rather pronounced foreheads (which is especially noticeable in the males), Frontosa cichlids from the genus Cyphotilapia may just be the most well-known species from Lake Tanganyika. You may notice this species’ similarity to a popular Central American species, the convict cichlid, which is notorious for terrorizing its tankmates. If you like a stripey fish but don’t want to deal with convicts’ aggression, Frontosas may be just the thing for you.
At a maximum length of up to 12”, this is the largest fish on the list. It’ll generally make good use of this advantage in order to take rule of the aquarium.
| Type | Max. length | Min. tank volume |
|---|---|---|
| Frontosas (forms its own category) | 12″ | 75 gallons |
Princess Cichlid (Neolamprologus brichardi)
How elegant is this cichlid, with its golden body, whiteish-blue rimmed fins and elongated lyretail? When it first appeared in the trade, Neolamprologus brichardi was introduced as “Princess of Burundi”-a dramatic denomination, but an appropriate one. The princess cichlid makes a nice choice for aquarists just starting out in the world of Rift Lake cichlids. It’s naturally found throughout Lake Tanganyika, where it inhabits the rocky shores. You’d do well to offer yours a similarly rocky environment (with a sandy substrate) in the aquarium.
These cichlids are hardy and easy to keep, but if you want to prevent headaches, go for a single-species set-up. They really are little princesses and will take a diva attitude towards tankmates unless there’s a serious amount of of space to go around. They’re more tolerant toward their own family groups, which often span multiple generations.
| Type | Max. length | Min. tank volume |
|---|---|---|
| Fairy (so whimsical!) | 4″ | 30 gallons |
Lamprologus ocellatus
Say hello to the author’s personal favorite Rift Lake cichlid! Lamprologus ocellatus, a “shellie”, is the definition of small but mighty. That home, by the way (as the term “shell dweller” suggests) is a shell. I adore these shell dwellers because they offer a fantastic-and pretty easy-opportunity to dip one’s toes into the world of biotope aquariums.
You can keep a trio (1M 2F) in a single-species 10-gallon, so not a lot of space needed.
Did you know? Neothauma shells would be the most realistic option, but aquarists have found the empty escargot shells for sale in some gourmet stores and online work wonderfully too.
| Type | Max. length | Min. tank volume |
|---|---|---|
| Shellie | 2.5″ | 10 gallons |
Tropheus duboisi
How cool do the juveniles of Tropheus duboisi, aptly known as the white-spotted cichlid, look when they shoal together?! White-spotted cichlids are naturally found in rocky, relatively deep waters in Lake Tanganyika. Here, they stick to a mostly vegetarian diet, scraping algae off the rocks.
This is one of the most popular Tanganyika cichlids, but it’s important to note that it’s not necessarily a beginner fish. It’s not just sensitive to water quality swings, but also an awkward mix of gregarious and territorial. White-spotted cichlids are best kept in large groups of at least 15 fish to disperse aggression.
| Type | Max. length | Min. tank volume |
|---|---|---|
| Tropheus (forms its own category) | 4.5″ | 75 gallons |
Altolamprologus compressiceps
If you’re thinking the pearly Lamprologus (whose genus name nowadays is actually Altolamprologus) looks like a powerful predator, you’re… wrong. Rather than using its impressively big mouth to gulp down other fish, it’s actually a benthivorous species.
This compressiceps-type cichlid (so named for its laterally compressed body shape) is appreciated by aquarists for its even temper. Although it’s territorial, it will leave tankmates that are on the larger side alone-except if they’re the ones to start a squabble. Keep in mind that pearly Lamprologus are known to be sensitive to low water quality. Stay on top of those water changes for the best result, and consider a different species if this is your first aquarium.
Be sure to feed frozen or live foods: these divas don’t tend to have much of a taste for prepared aquarium fare.
| Type | Max. length | Min. tank volume |
|---|---|---|
| Compressiceps | 5″ | 30 gallons |
Kribensis Cichlid (Pelvicachromis pulcher)
Unlike the other species on this list, the Kribensis cichlid can be kept in various types of community aquariums. Although Kribensis are pretty cranky during breeding season, their reproductive behaviors (like the female’s reddening belly, the male’s mating dance, and their careful herding of tiny fry) are fascinating to watch. Want to know more?
| Type | Max. length | Min. tank volume |
|---|---|---|
| West African River Cichlid | 4″ | 20 gallons |
Blood-Red Jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis lifalili)
We particularly like the blood-red jewel cichlid, H. Now, although it’s very pretty, we do have to warn you: this species can be a real terror, so it’s not suitable for beginners. When it’s spawning, it can reach aggression levels that would leave the aforementioned Kribensis blushing!
Because this is another creek/stream cichlid, not a Rift Lake one, it likes relatively soft and acidic water.
| Type | Max. length | Min. tank volume |
|---|---|---|
| West African River Cichlid | 4″ | 30 gallons |
Cichlids are freshwater fish that grow larger than many other species of aquarium fish. They range in size from as small as 3 inches (7.62 centimeters) to as large as 8 inches (20.32 centimeters).
When designing a tank set up for cichlids, you should keep in mind that cichlids are from more tropical climates, so they thrive in warm water.
Due to their territorial nature, you will need to stock a cichlid tank with lots of rocky hiding places which provides them with an environment similar to their natural habitat. This is also the reason why cichlids are not a good choice to cohabit with more docile species.
Another key component to consider in a tank for cichlids would be the aquarium size. In comparison to a tank for typical tropical fish, your cichlid tank must be larger because cichlids grow larger and produce more waste.
The minimum acceptable size for your cichlid tank set-up would be 30 gallons (113.56 l) for smaller species around 3 inches (7.62 centimeters), while tanks of 50 gallons (189.27 l) or more might be a better choice for larger species.
Cichlids enjoy a long life span, with most living around 8 years.
African and South American cichlids are incredibly rewarding to keep and have been staples in the hobby for generations.
