Cichlid Care Guides
Cichlids range from small, peaceful dwarfs like rams and apistogramma to large, territorial fish like oscars and Jack Dempseys. Size, water chemistry and temperament differ widely, so always check the species before choosing tankmates. Most cichlids do best with caves or other territory markers and regular large water changes.
Quick rules of thumb
- Check adult size and temperament before buying.
- Provide caves and break up sight lines.
- Do large water changes regularly, especially for big species.
Cichlid guides
- AngelfishPterophyllum scalare6 in long, 10 in tall · 55+ gal
- ApistogrammaApistogramma species3 in · 20+ gal
- Blood Parrot CichlidHybrid cichlid8 in · 55+ gal
- Bolivian RamMikrogeophagus altispinosus3 in · 20+ gal
- Cockatoo ApistogrammaApistogramma cacatuoides2-3.5 in · 20+ gal
- Convict CichlidAmatitlania nigrofasciata4-5 in · 30+ gal
- DiscusSymphysodon aequifasciatus6-8 in · 75+ gal
- Electric Blue Jack DempseyRocio octofasciata (blue variety)10 in · 75+ gal
- Electric Yellow LabLabidochromis caeruleus4 in · 30+ gal
- Firemouth CichlidThorichthys meeki6 in · 40+ gal
- Flowerhorn CichlidHybrid (Amphilophus x Vieja/Paraneetroplus lines)10-12 in · 75+ gal
- GeophagusGeophagus species8 in · 75+ gal
- German Blue RamMikrogeophagus ramirezi2-2.8 in · 20+ gal
- German Gold RamMikrogeophagus ramirezi (gold variety)2.5 in · 20+ gal
- Jack DempseyRocio octofasciata8-10 in · 75+ gal
- KribensisPelvicachromis pulcher3-4 in · 20+ gal
- Multifasciatus Shell DwellerLamprologus multifasciatus2 in · 10+ gal
- OscarAstronotus ocellatus12-14 in · 75+ gal
- Peacock BassCichla species20 in · 300+ gal
- SeverumHeros severus8 in · 75+ gal
- TropheusTropheus species5 in · 75+ gal
- UaruUaru amphiacanthoides10 in · 125+ gal
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
Pet Zone Convoy
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
Pet Zone Mid-City
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi