Discover the Amazement of Cichlid Tropical Fish
By Glenn Jostad

Nothing is more calming than watching a tank of beautiful and exotic fish swimming about gracefully in your living room, den or foyer - and no fish is more mysterious and strikingly unusual than the cichlid. The Cichlid family is unique for their diversity when it comes to size and shape, as well as behavior and swimming skills. You can find cichlid tropical fish in a variety of shapes, such as the long and rather pointy shaped checkerboard cichlid or the disc-shaped discus cichlid (aptly named). Cichlid tropical fish are some of the world's most colorful, and some varieties are big breeders, which is why many of them are found in huge populations in their natural habitats. One of the most frustrating things about owning this type of fish, no matter which sub-variety you purchase, is that the cichlid is extremely territorial when spawning - and become a menace to others in the tank if you're not watchful. Cichlids can be very naughty, and aggressive, to say the least - but they are true beauties in the tropical fish world. Let's look at some of the most popular types of cichlid tropical fish.

- Keyhole cichlid is one of the more peaceful of the different cichlids that can be found for the home aquarium. It doesn't burrow as often as some of its counterparts, and will not usually damage any aquarium plants. This type of cichlid tends to form a somewhat nuclear family unit, and cares for its young for around six months. The Keyhole cichlid tropical fish hails from Guyana.

- The Oscar cichlid is native to South America and is a very popular choice among those who are just setting up an aquarium. However, many folks buy this type of cichlid only to find out that he quickly becomes too large for his surroundings. If you want an Oscar cichlid, plan on placing him in a very large aquarium of at least one-hundred gallons. And since this big guy is a carnivore, don't plan on keeping smaller fish in with him - they may quickly become his dinner.

- The Kribensis cichlid hails from Africa, and eats all foods. This is a very popular cichlid, and his medium size of three to four inches makes him perfect for homing in medium sized aquariums without trouble. The Kribensis tends to form a relationship with one other fish that may become a close knit family - that in turn works together to defend the family's territory and egg supply.

- The Angelfish may be one of the most well-known of the cichlid tropical fish. You will recognize the angelfish by its black bars and silver colored body, although breeding technology has led to the development of other colors. Angelfish are slow moving, graceful and heavenly all around, until breeding time. This is when the angelfish can become overly aggressive. The angel fish comes to us from Central America, and is a fairly easy to keep cichlid that eats all foods.

- The checkerboard cichlid is brown and covered in a distinctive checkerboard pattern that is usually orange and deep blue, and has blue and red fins. The checkerboard cichlid is a bottom-lurker that tends to hide for the biggest portion of the time, although he is friendly and easy-going. This cichlid tropical fish is from South America.

- The discus cichlid tropical fish is also found in South America, and is very attractive. You can easily recognize the discus by its disc shape. Although difficult to keep because it requires a steady and controlled temperature that cannot fluctuate, the discus is great for those more experienced tank masters. This is not a good choice for the beginning cichlid owner.

Amazing Cichlid Tropical Fish

If you are thinking of adding cichlid tropical fish to your tank or aquarium, be sure to do your research and take into consideration any other inhabitants that you already have. Cichlids do not play well with others as a general rule. Any species from the cichlid family of tropical fish can provide you with years of enjoyment, provided you are well-trained in their care and have the patience to keep the conditions of your aquarium optimal.

If you want to learn more about Cichlid Tropical Fish or would like to start a new aquarium, please go to Cichlid Tropical Fish.

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