Cichlid Resources

[Melody]

Cichlids are a fish that calls to new hobbyists. They have beautiful color and expressive eyes that indicate intelligence. They're responsive and other Cichlid enthusiasts positively glow when they talk about their own.

Unfortunately they're also a spontaneous purchase much of the time. People aren't always aware of the vast differences that can occur between species, from environmental requirements to dietary needs.

In an effort to point new (or new to Cichlids) hobbyists in the right direction, I thought we could start a list of suggested resources. I would like to expand our stickied list with the best sources of information, but I really only know the basics about Cichlids so I'm not qualified to judge accuracy.

So I'm all ears! If you had to choose the top three or less Cichlid resources, what would they be? Information sites of course, communities can be another thread unless they have a large library of information complimenting their community.

Feel free to share your own tips and knowledge too - what would you tell a new hobbyist who wants to venture into Cichlids?

[grumpystiltskin]

Cichlid-forum.com is a really good site, thats where i used to go all the time when i had cichlids

[hp10BII]

I second Grumpy's site. I'm using it more lately and it's actually a very good site for general fishkeeping, articles, reviews etc.

Something to consider for people getting into the hobby. Since most of the cichlid species from Africa requires completely different water parameters than their South American cousins, you may want to choose cichlids that closely matches your local water conditions first. Just one less thing to worry about. After you've had a little time in the hobby, you can do your research to see what you need to do to your local water to make a good home for the other cichlids.

I started with South American cichlids first because our water is a natural fit for the fish I wanted to keep and also, I could never pronounce any of the African cichlid names.:Blush:

[happy_pitbull]

Another good site is : http://www.cichlidrecipe.com/

One thing new cichlid keepers should know, and many first time fish keepers dont realize, is that MOST (not all though) cichlids are extremely aggressive, and can (and most likely will) kill any other fish in the tank, unless they are all compatible and similar species.

I have heard too many stories of first time fish keepers buying a pretty yellow or blue fish, to take it home and put it in their community tank... and the next day to find everything dead or near-dead, with that one new pretty fish alive and well.

Research what your buying first off... thats so important.



Min

[Charles]

www.cichlid-forum.com (http://www.cichlid-forum.com) is a good place to learn about cichlids :)

Anyway, even aggressive cichlids from african can be in a community tank. I always suggest people to pick one type of fish, then choose around the favorite type given the proper space. It is totally different than SA or CA...

[phagus]

www.cichlidae.com (http://www.cichlidae.com) is another great site
for more general sites www.apistogramma.com (http://www.apistogramma.com) is great for info on most dwarf cichlids both african (not rift lake) and south american and www.eartheaters.com (http://www.eartheaters.com) is good for info on any members of the eartheater clade.