Whats the big deal, anyways!

[graceluvsplatys]

Why is everyone crazy for cichlids? why are they speecial? there are like 6 areas for form on them, and everone seems to like them. i was wondering why?

[OscarFan]

I like Cichlids becuase they seem to have more personality then other fish.

[smaug]

because they are the badboys/girls of the fish world,bad attitude,colorful and charming.I used to pick my women the same way!Ha!

[Ghostknife]

because they are the badboys of the fish world,bad attitude,colorful and charming.I used to pick my women the same way!Ha!

Nice analegy (spelling)

[cocoa_pleco]

theyre aggressive and colorful

[ILuvMyGoldBarb]

There are probably more Cichlid species available to the hobbyist than almost any other family, that's one reason for their popularity. Also, as has been stated earlier, they have a ton more personality than most other fish. I've heard testimonies of Oscar owners who have said that their Oscars would "sit" next to them in the tank and watch TV with them. They will recognize their owners.

[Incredulous_Ed]

More interesting than tetras, I guess.

[Drumachine09]

More interesting than tetras, I guess.


Hahahaha, nice.





I think the REAL question is, what ISN'T the big deal with them?



I have heard people refer to Oscars as "dogfish" because they can actually become your wet, slimy companions.

[smaug]

My angelfish follows me around when Im close to his tank.I can hand feed him and he will accept my touch occasionally.He even plays fetch with neons and shrimp!Well ,kind of:27:

[graceluvsplatys]

ok that pretty much covers it!

[Rue]

I like cichlids - some species are gorgeous...but I find them boring...

I also don't like the concept of 'induced aggression' that comes from having them in a confined space that exacerbates that part of their biology...

[nanaglen2001]

If you ever had an "who looks away first battle" with your Cichlid, and of course loose:hmm3grin2orange: , and watched them care for their offspring, you never ever want something else.

Cichlids not only have more personality than lets say Tetras, they are also more intelligent.

[cocoa_pleco]

my red devil will grab gumball sized rocks and specifically place them, then just stare at what hes made for a few hours. dont see danios or tetras doing that!

[sandy_n]

Besides being beautiful they are scrappy, they have attitudes coming out the wazoo and if they don't like you, you best run and hide. I believe that we admire their tenacity and the fact that they don't back down...no matter the size of the opponet! They are intelligent and seem to enjoy our company. They have personalities. And I've seen a few that seem to have a sense of humor! :c7:

[cocoa_pleco]

lol, my old oscar was to hikari like the cookie monster is to cookies, he would never stop darting til he got hikari

[toddnbecka]

If you ever get a chance to watch National Geo's "Jewel of the Rift", check out the 1.5" long cichlid (L. multifasciatus) biting a crocodile on the tail to move it out of his territory. The fish is about the size of the croc's eye... How can you NOT love that?

[Full3R]

Cichlids are good because each fish has its own individuality, you can never really base it to say "this species wont coexist with this one" because in reality, it comes down to the individual fish.
And its always good to be able to interact with you fish and recognize there personality, And alot of the time the fish will become dependent on just you rather then anyone who comes near the tank.

Well thats my experience anyway!

[NickFish]

While all fish have their own personality, cichlids are much more obvious.

There is also that bit of excitement not knowing if your fish will fight or live in moderate peacefulness. Sometimes you will have 2 fish that can live fine together....then you get two more of the same fish and they fight non-stop. It's always a surprise...and waiting for two hours next to your tank with nets at the ready. They have great color and personality, and they are very fun to watch raise their babies. They care for them, unlike other fish. A cichlid tank is non-stop action. :c3:

Oh, and there are 8 areas on the forum for cichlids. :)

[MandyL]

Yep all of the above... So much personality, they just make a fish tank more personable rather than looking at a pretty picture... And their behavior is so fun to watch rather than a school going back and forth (not that I don't love those too!)

I think the many areas for cichlid info is mainly because they are so different... You really can't do 8 sections on the different types of tetras because they are all so similar in care and behavior. But you can't group any type of cichlid with any other.