Difference Between African and South American Cichlids

The key difference between African and South American Cichlids is that the African cichlids live in freshwaters originating from three great lakes of Africa while South American cichlids live in the freshwaters of South and Central America including the Arizona river. Moreover, the African Cichlids are more aggressive.

1. Can I mix African and South American cichlids?
2. How can you tell the difference between African cichlids?
3. Can you mix different types of cichlids?
4. What fish are compatible with South American cichlids?
5. Can I mix Oscars with African cichlids?
6. What is the most expensive cichlid?
7. What is the meanest cichlid?
8. Do female African cichlids have egg spots?
9. How do I know if my cichlids are happy?
10. Can I put angelfish with cichlids?
11. Will cichlids kill each other?
12. What are the least aggressive cichlids?

Can I mix African and South American cichlids?

If you are keeping multiple species don't mix African with South American. They have evolved on two different continents; their immune systems are very different. When kept together, one species can make the other sick.

How can you tell the difference between African cichlids?

Most types of African cichlids are sexually dimorphic, which means that males will appear different from females. Close examination of the shape of the fish's genital papilla, visible near spawning time, is the most certain means of determining cichlid gender.

Can you mix different types of cichlids?

African cichlids prefer hard, alkaline water. Most are very aggressive, but in a large tank, dissimilar-patterned species can get along. You do want to avoid keeping closely related species together, since they may produce undesirable hybrids. For example, no two Auloncara species should share an aquarium.

What fish are compatible with South American cichlids?

They should be placed together with peaceful fish like guppies, tetra, or Angelfish, avoiding territorial larger species such as larger cichlids, betta fish, or carnivorous fish.

Can I mix Oscars with African cichlids?

Can African cichlids and Oscars live together? No, mixing African cichlids and Oscars is not recommended because of multiple reasons. They are from different continents and require different water parameters. Also, depending on the cichlids, they will fight to the death.

What is the most expensive cichlid?

The most expensive fish ever sold for aquarium keepers was a Golden Monkey Flowerhorn Cichlid. It sold in 2009 for $600,000 in Malaysia.

What is the meanest cichlid?

1. Parachromis dovii (Dovii - The Wolf Cichlid)

Do female African cichlids have egg spots?

Most African cichlids have egg spots. These can either be subtle blotches or clear circles. Egg spots are used as a diversion method for predators. Certain species of synodontis catfish will try to eat the cichlid's eggs while the couple is breeding.

How do I know if my cichlids are happy?

Your fish are happy and healthy when they:

1. Swim actively throughout the entire tank, not just hanging out or laying at the bottom, floating near the top or hiding behind plants and ornaments.
2. Eat regularly and swim to the surface quickly at feeding time.

Can I put angelfish with cichlids?

Though many species in the cichlid family are known for their aggression, angelfish are typically not very aggressive. ... Even small cichlids like rams, Krib's cichlids and keyholes can cohabitate peacefully with angelfish.

Will cichlids kill each other?

All rift lake cichlids are more aggressive than tropical community fish. However, some species are significantly more aggressive than others. ... These fish are extremely difficult to keep as adults without breeding them to replenish the population. The males will slowly but surely kill each other in territory battles.

What are the least aggressive cichlids?

Covered below are some of the least aggressive species whom also hold the honor of being the most popular among aquarium hobbyists.

• Electric Yellow Lab Cichlid Labidochromos caeruleus.
• Yellow Tail Acei Cichlid Pseudotropheus acai.
• Sulfur Head Peacock Cichlid Aulonocara maylandia.