Cichlid Fish
Looking for bold, colorful, and dynamic fish to bring your aquarium to life? Cichlids are among the most fascinating and diverse freshwater fish, offering a mix of vibrant colors, unique behaviors, and engaging personalities. From the peaceful Ram Cichlids to the majestic African Cichlids and the hardy South American species, our premium selection caters to aquarists of all experience levels.
Why Choose Cichlids for Your Aquarium?
- Striking Colors & Patterns: Cichlids boast some of the most dazzling hues in the fishkeeping world, from electric blues to fiery reds and bold yellows.
- Intelligent & Interactive: These fish are known for their curious nature. Some even recognize their owners and exhibit playful behaviors.
- Variety for Every Tank: Whether you prefer peaceful community fish or a species-only setup, there’s a cichlid perfect for your aquarium.
- Exciting Breeding Behaviors: Many cichlids are excellent parents, guarding their eggs and fry, making breeding a rewarding experience.
Popular Types of Cichlid Fish
Explore our diverse range of cichlids, including:
- Electric Blue Ram: A dazzling, high-intensity blue variant.
- Peacock Cichlids: Known for their iridescent blues, reds, and yellows.
- Frontosa Cichlids: A majestic, deep-water species with dramatic fins.
- Angelfish: Graceful and elegant, a classic centerpiece fish.
- Discus: The "king of the aquarium" with stunning round shapes and vivid colors.
Cichlid Care Essentials
- Tank Size: Ranges from 20 gallons for dwarf species like Rams to 75+ gallons for larger cichlids (like Oscars or Frontosas).
- Water Conditions: Maintain a temperature of 78-85°F (25-29°C) and a pH of 6.0-7.5 to keep them healthy.
- Diet: High-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms), and occasional vegetables for herbivorous species.
- Tank Setup: Provide rocks, caves, and driftwood for territory establishment. African Cichlids love rocky scapes, while Amazonian species prefer planted tanks.
- Tank Mates: Choose carefully, as some Cichlids are community-friendly (Rams, Angelfish), while others do best in species-specific setups (African Mbunas).
See more details about Ultimate Care Guide for Cichlid Fish here.
Cichlid Fish for Sale Online
Browse our premium collection of Cichlids for sale and find the perfect addition to your freshwater aquarium. Visit Splashy Fish to buy them online or at our aquarium store in Virginia for more freshwater fish for sale, betta fish for sale, freshwater shrimp for sale, live aquatic plants for sale, and aquarium supplies.
Order now and bring home the beauty of Cichlid Fish today!
Cichlid Fish Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long do Cichlid Fish live?
Cichlid fish lifespans vary by species, with Dwarf Cichlids like Rams living 3–5 years, African Cichlids (Peacocks, Mbunas) reaching 8–12 years, and larger species like Oscars and Frontosas living 10–20+ years with proper care. Key factors for longevity include stable water conditions (0 ammonia/nitrites, low nitrates), a high-quality diet, appropriate tank size, low-stress environments, and consistent temperatures. While some Cichlids are relatively short-lived, others can thrive for over a decade, making them long-term aquatic companions when given optimal care.
Are Cichlid Fish aggressive?
Cichlid aggression varies by species, ranging from peaceful (Rams, Discus) to highly territorial (African Mbunas, Red Devils). While Dwarf Cichlids and some South American species can thrive in community tanks, most African and large New World Cichlids require species-only setups or carefully chosen tank mates. Key factors like tank size, hiding spots, and proper male-to-female ratios help manage aggression, but research is essential. Always match Cichlid species with compatible fish and environments to prevent conflicts.
Why do Cichlid Fish change color?
Cichlid fish change color due to mood, social hierarchy, breeding status, environmental conditions, diet, and health-dominant or courting fish display vibrant hues, while stressed or sick cichlids fade or develop dark stress bars. Poor water quality, malnutrition, or inadequate lighting can dull their colors, whereas optimal care, high-quality food, and stable tank conditions enhance natural brilliance. While temporary shifts are normal (like territorial displays), prolonged dullness often indicates stress or illness, requiring immediate attention.
Testimonials
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I received a beautiful large specimen with a mix of red leaves and spotted green leaves. I love how the broad leaves and colors contrast with the dwarf sag.
Picked up two because they looked so beautiful in store. Great leaf and stem growth and cannot wait to put in my tanks!
Chili raspboras colored up amazingly and are like little gems
Great plants selections lovely store
Bought a first aquarium for my 6 year old and was helped throughout the whole process on what to buy and what worked for our ideal low maintenance set up. The person there spent about 30 min with us throughout and we left with everything we needed to cycle the tank. We will be back to get the fish soon. Highly recommend! They have a very nice selection too of fish, plants, hardscaping, equipment, etc.
This snail arrived healthy and ready to work. He was smaller than I anticipated (less than 1/2 inch), but it just means I'll have him for longer. Great worker and very active.
I wanted a couple of snails for a little extra color and this guy was one of them. He's a great size (about an inch) and VERY active. He flies across the gravel so quickly and is voracious. He's cleaned a diatom bloom more in 3 days than a few nerites did in 2 weeks. He's also a beautiful robin's egg blue. Will definitely purchase more!
We just got our Red Eyes in today and thankfully they all arrived live and well! They made a safe trip from Splashy Fish Store in Virginia to California! Thank you!!!
This shop, which is hidden in a building that looks like a warehouse, has a good selection of fish and shrimp, and the staff are aquarium enthusiasts who are very helpful.
If you are a self proclaimed aqua-geek, then take a trip to check out this store. Super well stocked, clean and well maintained, and VERY helpful and kind staff available to answer questions. We drove out from Haymarket area, and it was well worth the drive! Thanks, Splashy Fish - see you soon!
The little Corys are happy (knock on wood!) and are doing great. I appreciate the store and their fish quality!
They are thriving and my wife love it
My Snails are so awesome and lively! I love watching them!
Anubias Congensis Aquatic Plant
My daughter and I have restarted my fish hobby recently and Splashy Fish had all the equipment and plants to get us back into building out our aquarium. The staff was super knowledgeable and friendly to entertain our questions and curiosity. We will be back often to check out the Shrimp Room and more plants!
