So, you have a 55-gallon tank and are considering building out a cichlid aquarium. With a tank this size, there are plenty of different types of cichlids you can successfully care for. Before we dig into some of these fascinating fish, hobbyists should be well-versed in the intricacies of keeping cichlids. These fish can be quite aggressive, and there are key differences between species.
Here's a look at some cichlid species, including the impressive Boulengerochromis microlepis, along with other popular choices for your aquarium.
Boulengerochromis microlepis
The species was originally described as Tilapia microlepis by George Albert Boulenger in 1899. The generic name of this species is a compound noun, made up of the surname Boulenger, in honour of the Belgian born herpetologist and ichthyologist George Albert Boulenger (1858-1937), and the Greek word chromis which was used by Aristotle for a type of fish. This was probably the drum Sciaenidae and may be derived from the word chroemo which means "to neigh" in reference to the noise made by drums.
Here's a table summarizing key information about Boulengerochromis microlepis:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Original Description | Described as Tilapia microlepis by George Albert Boulenger in 1899 |
| Generic Name Origin | Boulenger (honoring George Albert Boulenger) + Greek "chromis" (a type of fish) |
| "Chromis" Origin | Likely refers to drum Sciaenidae, possibly from "chroemo" (to neigh) |
Popular African Cichlid Species
Electric Yellow Lab (Labidochromis caeruleus)
Arguably one of the most popular African cichlid mbunas is the Electric Yellow Lab (scientific name: Labidochromis caeruleus).
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Demasoni (Pseudotropheus demasoni)
Next on our list is another African Cichlid Mbuna known as the Demasoni (scientific name: Pseudotropheus demasoni). The Demasoni is a popular type of Mbuna, but hobbyists looking to stock their tanks with these fish should proceed with caution. They're known to have an aggressive temperament and should be kept in a species-only tank, with one male for 3 females.
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Snow White Cichlid (Pseudotropheus socolofi)
Last on our list is the Snow White Cichlid (scientific name: Pseudotropheus socolofi). Relatively easy to care for, this Mbuna albino will grow to be about 6 inches in size and requires a 50-gallon tank at a minimum. Similar to other albino fish, the species can be hard to find but is quite rewarding to keep.
New World Cichlids
Convict Cichlid
Next on our list is a classic New World Cichlid, known as the Convict Cichlid. Occasionally referred to as the Zebra Cichlid, these fish are well-studied and have been kept in the hobby for decades. Named after its appearance, which resembles the striped prison uniforms of British convicts, the fish are relatively small, reaching an adult size between 4 to 5 inches in length. This small size only requires a 20-gallon tank, but multiple can be kept in a 55-gallon.
Cuban Cichlid (Nandopsis tetracanthus)
The Cuban Cichlid (scientific name: Nandopsis tetracanthus) is a large fish that grows to be about 10 inches in length. While a fish this size will require a tank that's over 100 gallons, a single Cuban Cichlid can be kept in a 55-gallon tank, but you'll need to provide plenty of rock work and durable live plants to keep the fish stimulated.
Electric Blue Texas Cichlid (Herichthys carpintis)
Similar to the Cuban Cichlid, the Electric Blue Texas Cichlid (scientific name: Herichthys carpintis) is a large cichlid species with a bold personality and attractive appearance. Native to Northern Mexico, the species is quite aggressive. If you plan on purchasing a tank larger than 55 gallons, you'll be able to pair this species with other aggressive tank mates, such as the Cuban and Electric Blue Jack Dempsey.
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Electric Blue Jack Dempsey
Rarer than the Jack Dempsey fish, the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey is more than a fish that packs a punch. The fish's bright blue body shimmers when under direct lighting and is covered with a unique tiger-like pattern. However, once the fish reaches the end of its lifespan, around 12 years of age, the bright coloration will begin to turn a bit more dull.
Crossbred Species
Dragonblood OB
Throughout the years, the species has been crossbred to produce some of the brightest colors seen in cichlid-keeping, and the Dragonblood OB is at the top of the list. The intensity of their colors varies, with some producing a vibrant red coloration, while others may be more peach. The fish can be hard to acquire, but its red and blue coloration makes it highly sought after among hobbyists. The second Peacock on our list of best cichlids is the Blue Dragon Blood.
Tank Mate Considerations
Their smaller size makes them an excellent choice for smaller aquariums, but in larger tanks, they're often featured in community setups. Congo Tetras and other species native to Africa, such as the Synodontis Catfish are common additions in these tank configurations.
Aggressive Cichlids
Here is a list of some of the most aggressive Central and South American Cichlids which are also very large.
- Parachromis Dovii (Dovii Cichlid): Known as the infamous wolf cichlid, these are huge beasts with large teeth, large mouths, and a muscular body. They become dominant once they reach 6 or more inches.
- Caquetaia Umbriferus (Umbee Cichlid): One of the largest Central American cichlids you can own, they get a large mouth, teeth, strength, and become ferocious as they age.
- Nandopsis Grammodes: Often called the mini dovii cichlid, they are skilled fighters and very fast. Females are highly territorial.
- Buttikoferi Tilapia (Hornet Tilapia): Known for their aggressive nature, they can crush and rip the lips off other fish.
- Nandopsis Beani (Green Guapote Cichlid): These are hyper-aggressive and best kept with cichlids that can defend themselves.
- Amphilophus Labiatus (Red Devil Cichlid): Known killers, they are very common and full of personality, but need close attention when mixed with other fish.
- Parachromis Managuense (Jaguar Cichlid): Very powerful and territorial, they will fight to the death at times.
- Nandopsis Haitiensis: Capable of reaching 16 inches, they can compete with dovii or umbee.
- Parachromis Motaguensis: Notorious for disemboweling tank mates, they are similar to managuense but smaller and calmer.
- Nandopsis istlantus: Hyper-aggressive and nasty despite their small size, with severe temper problems.
If you're the proud owner of a 55-gallon tank, it's easy to see that there's no shortage of cichlid stocking options to choose from. Now that we've provided a few of our favorites, which do you think you'll go with?
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