Cichlid Showdown! African Cichlids vs American Cichlids - Which is Better?

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

By the way - if you want to see more amazing fish definitely check out the fish room tours we have done. Here is the playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PL79yWtqvNd3WVb99ZvPbDhXwPOSOeO3am Also, our new shirts can be found at: www.primetimeaquatics.com/merch For the latest in the fish room check us out on Instagram primetime_aquatics

[@pauljohnson2534]

My favorite 2 species Jaguar ( Central American) and Hemichromis Elongatus (West African) I kept them together for a long time and despite the difference in size the Elongatus held his own .

[@sandravaldez995]

Can I get my rocks & branches from my yard or hardware store or only from aquarium stores?

[@mohamedelbouaiadi2899]

Q

[@garym1550]

The best Cichlid is the one you own.

[@jhyaceecortez9583]

Gary M thats right....

[@paddypeet3878]

I was about to throw fella shade at the African cichlids but my friend being the first comment I make of 2021, I agree with you whole heartily

[@EmilyHerreraMiramontes]

The most wholesome comment.

[@InkedAquaticsReptiles]

Oscar ;) jk the best cichlid is the one you own best comment I would say for sure. The comment should have a lot more likes

[@2ssrs950]

Well said fellow fish keeper

[@lordtremendous8240]

I love my Oscar the most because he's basically just a water based dog. The Dempsey is great because of the coloring, and the Convict for that amazing stripped pattern. Basically a water Zebra. Love these guys.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

All cool fish!

[@goatdezsi3527]

Oscars are my favourite too

[@williamdavis9735]

I have a convict a Jack Dempsey and jewels in my tank

[@shawnmcquate4178]

I had this exact combo in high school with jewels and blue acara

[@brendanhall9346]

@bflo1000 no they dont actually have much different water at all they aren't rift lake cichlids they come from Madagascar

[@joshuaokoro-sokoh2993]

Even though I'm African, I actually prefer American Cichlids. They have more research on them and they are more monogamous parents. You could say they also have more personality

[@ariskavallaris4276]

from the malawi cichlids maybe yes...from tanganyikans i dont think so

[@shxzwxng1972]

Agreed

[@voultronix761]

South african here , I agree !

[@sandyrodriguez2803]

"Two mutations away from being able to talk to their owner." Lol. Some fish are truly smart.

[@jimsvo4486]

I must use that two mutations away sometime since I have two small Oscars.

[@Zachary360Games]

I love Severums, the gold variety is such a beauty.

[@makiarn777]

Zachary360 they are my favorite as well!

[@newerafrican]

Some day (wishing)!!

[@chowdhurywilddenindiabatanagar]

I also keep severum,gold,large.... In my channel....

[@ashleygarnish9995]

Are they aggressive

[@chowdhurywilddenindiabatanagar]

@@ashleygarnish9995 depends on species

[@joseortiz5906]

American. Green Terror, Geo's, Apisto's, Electric blue Acara etc

[@Eric-uh7nl]

I love all cichlids. I've had angelfish, discus, mikrogeophagus ramirezi, kribensis, aulonocara, venustus, copadichromis borleyi etc., and love them all. I do hope to try the longfin geophagus one day.

[@thomaswolsey2319]

I like both. African -Kribensis American -Apistogramma -Bolivian Ram -German Blue Ram

[@thomasashe2681]

I agree. But my list is slightly different. African - Kribensis (pelvicachromis pulcher) - Neolamprologus birchardi - Neolamprologus caudopunctatus - Anomalochromis thomasi American - German Blue Rams - Philippine Blue Angels - Discus - Apistogramma cacatuoides - Apistogramma borelli These are just the cichlids that I like. I like other non-cichlid fish too.

[@SP-qs4yh]

I don’t like kribs they cause more problems than good. They are should not be called peaceful even if they are not breeding...

[@thomaswolsey2319]

@@SP-qs4yh I like Kribs. But you are right they are very aggressive.

[@MarvinTheMusicMan]

Hey Jason. My favourites at the moment are Kribensis, but let me explain....I have a breeding pair and it is just fascinating watching them guard the cave. When mum goes off for something to eat, dad will come down to the cave entrance until she returns. They had about 25 fry and the most bizarre thing ever is watching them take the fry out for a swim and to feed. It's like watching a duck with ducklings following in a line. After 15-20 minutes they all trek back to the cave, and then about 6 hours later, do it all again. Without a doubt the best parenting have ever seen in fish. Best wishes from Manchester, England

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I know! They are so interesting to watch!

[@sammackintosh6593]

Central South amrican for me! My favourites being a couple that didn't get a shout out it the video being the electric blue acara and FireMouth Cichlid, underrated fish that dont require a massive tank. However I have admired african chiclids from a far and would love to keep them someday but coming from a softwater area I always feel I would have issues

[@williampinsent9016]

okay dam, this guy makes such insightful points and I can tell he actually thinks about the topic prior to the video and not just recording surface level babble while on camera. This quality shows!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching!

[@NS-zv9qf]

My favorite is a Flowerhorn. As you pointed out they are very affectionate, almost like a puppy, the wife even has grown to love ours.

[@Rippingthewall]

Green Terrors are probably my favorite but I love all SA and CA cichlids. They get larger and the personalities are awesome.

[@colourfulmlbb5889]

My List African Cichlid: Kribensis Jewel Cichlid Shell Dwellers American: Discus Angels Rams(Bolivians also) Geophagus Gold Saum Apistogramma Oscar Texas Midas

[@heroshotaquatics]

Kind of fall in the same boat as you Jason. My Malawi tank is my favorite tank, so many people think it’s saltwater, but my favorite fish is my pair of Gold Vieja Apistogramma. Great work as always 👍

[@briantuell3685]

I’ve loved and kept many cichlids. On the American side I’m particular to Geophagus and Severum. If I had to limit myself to one location though it would have to be Lake Tanganyika and if I could only keep one species it would be Altolamprologus Calvus. That Arganteus (sp?) at 3:30 though is a seriously gorgeous fish.

[@Diosesdepapel]

Beautiful video with so many Cichlids ... Wow , the colors are magnificent .. Tks for sharing

[@Ilostmyschmungus]

I can't choose either! When I get my own house and I have enough money I would have a 150 gallon peacock/hap African tank and a 125 gallon south American tank. Thats my dream, only 2 tanks, but they would be amazing.

[@austrarobust8993]

I love african cichlids, Aesthetically they remind me of the devonian period. I named one ancient. I never knew such small fish could demonstrate so much personality and wit. Very excited I went with my instinct and chose these guys over all the fish in the pet store. I only guessed by their structure that they would be smart and personable. Thanks for sharing your love and knowledge for these fish.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@HUKIT.]

Being the hobby for 35 years the shift has definitely been towards Africans for many years as being smaller and some of the colors is appealing to most new comers. Heck even at the GCCA swaps you are hard to seed to find centrals. I’ve got lyonsi, festae, and melanura fry currently that I can’t hardly give away but in 30 tanks you won’t find a single old world fish in my house.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Festae are so awesome!

[@RoseBuddMedia]

I'm still new to the hobby but I'm learning so much from you and the KGT team. Thank you for your willingness to share your knowledge

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you! Good to hear

[@elvinsworld11]

South American anytime. Favourites being Sevrums, Discuss, Flowerhorn and Angels

[@AshworthRd]

Electric blue acara are my favourite! The faces they give me..... awww

[@simonmoylan4014]

they are one of the best as far as aggressive goes

[@megangibbs9737]

South/Central American cichlids are my preference so far. I really like apistogrammas, rams, and angelfish.

[@masteraquaticsjustcallmeed5115]

Jason Great Video!!!! My favorite has to be the Discuss! Love their demeanor and powerful quietness. I've had my 2 female Deep Red Melons for about 10 years now. They are very personable and just LOVE coming to the front of the 200 gal tank when they see me. They are both just a little over a foot perfectly rounded out. I only have about 30 Rummy Noses in with them. Heavily planted with 3 Amazon Swords and two large Anubis logged unto huge logs of driftwood. The substrate is all dark brown or black pebble rocks, boulders actually!!! LOL

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

At some point Joanna is going to want discus. :-)

[@vamsikrishna.c6277]

😀 Thanks for a detailed video, I thought you'd not go into depth but you did and i did enjoy knowing what fish are possible for the people who have a space constraint.... Thank you!!!!

[@jesperhansen6991]

Electric Blue Accra - nuff said😉😃😃

[@orionmoonsamy3408]

Me too

[@lee85jr]

I'm a fan of American cichlids. One of my favorites is Cichlasoma festa!! I plan on keeping a few geophagus red head tapajos soon. Love the videos. Keep up the good work.

[@everything.for.a.reason]

Thats difficult... i love my Malawis, Tanganjikans and bichirs. But i also love my angelfish and dwarfcichlids.

[@BrimstoneAquatics]

South american cichlids every day. From discus to geophagus to green terror to Oscar. So many varieties and so much personality

[@siefejo007]

It amazing how many different kinds of cichlids are out there. All different colors and looks

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I know! You could spend a lifetime trying to keep them all.

[@peacelizard]

Two that I learned to love was Amatitlania sajica (T-Bar) and Amatitlania siquia (Honduran Red Point)

[@teronlewis5949]

American cichlid hands down Dovii, Red Devil, are my favorites. Currently looking for some green terror

[@cracklingice]

I've always been an African Cichlid fan over the others. I've had Frontosa, Venustus, as centerpiece fish as well as smaller ones.

[@Wildernessoutside]

cracklingice I love the colour and markings for the frontosa

[@aquariumaddictions7672]

your channel and the king of diy channel are my most favourite ones on youtube. i never miss a video since the day i have subscribed.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's good company to be in. : -) Appreciate you being here!

[@johnliguori6996]

I have an 65 gallon african and American mixed cichlid tank. My favorite for personality is my Kobalt Blue Zebra. As far as color I have a Texas that's absolutely stunning, and an orange Peacock with a purple/blue Irridescent shimmer.

[@amymandeville8342]

I love cichlids from both continents. I used to keep Frontosa, Yellow Labs, Kribs and Jack Dempsey in the same tank. I only had a problem when the Jacks started to reproduce and I had to remove them.

[@angusmckay1295]

Thank you so much for this video So much years of knowledge condensed I’ve learned a lot not many videos on KZbin like this one

[@rodneysmith5555]

Great video. I've been in the hobby 40+ years and I love both for all the reasons you spoke on. The Red Oscar and the Gold Severum are 2 of my all time favorites. But for about 12 years now I have been breeding tanganyikans and Brichardi ,Leulpi, regani's, man that's where my heart.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Tanganyikans have a way of capturing people!

[@Zoso456]

Demasoni! Best cichlid hands down! Gorgeous and fun to watch!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

But mean :-)

[@dukeriggs4293]

I've kept south American, central American, lake Malawi, and lake Tanganyikan cichlids. They're all great fish. The most rewarding experience I've ever had with any cichlid was getting wild caught brown discus to trust me enough to eat out of my hand.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

That's cool!

[@whoaitsjape]

I used to be heavy into African Cichlids, but had to be a slave to water changes. When the drought hit California, I had to let it go. I came back into the hobby and got into heavily planted tanks. Now I keep angels and bolivian rams and can go over a month without a water change. Love African cichlids and think they are more fun to watch, but being able to keep plants with the south Americans is a game changer for me.

[@123bizzyboy]

I am a slave to it lol but I love African Cichlids. A little stressful to keep at times with like you said having to be on it for water changes etc... And the aggression issue at times. Really need extra tanks on hand with Africans for various reasons. And expensive. But love them.

[@budiawan1784]

I prefer to keep American cichlid..... Simple reason : water in my home, soft. Between 120 ppm-170 ppm. All of them beautiful (African/American) , sometimes you dont see yet.

[@srwordsussecuaces6374]

I highly appreciate the fact that you were unbiased when analyzing this topic. Well done! 💪 Greetings from Costa Rica 👌

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@TheRwboss6]

Love 'em all but I'm an Mbuna and Peacock guy for sure.... Great video....

[@ianwright9299]

Hello, just found your channel and I love the Central and South American cichlids...thanks for the great content!!!

[@jenniferahough4983]

What are the black/gold ones @5:48? They're phenomenal.

[@dericksanders8940]

Would like to know as well

[@belveder69]

I have tried the Africans but have been keeping South & Central American cichlids and for many years. I love the personalities and how friendly they can become. I keep Vieja, Chocolates, Nicaraguam, Neon Blue Acara, Geo Tapajos and they all eat out of my hand, I love them. Although I do find the dwarf cichlids and smaller ones like rams are more skittish

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I have some synspilum growing out right now that I', excited about!

[@belveder69]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics sadly mine is mating with my Nicaraguam which i gather is wrong ggrrr

[@moedatnoid8819]

I love this channel it’s so calming lol

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for being here.

[@Firestorm637]

Your video one of the best summaries on different cichlids. I own fresh and saltwater tanks. Discus and cichlids are very close on color to salt.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you!

[@darrellburks410]

Great video. Love the Electric Blue Acara and a few of the African Peacock Cichlids

[@pelhamsaquatics]

South and Central American cichlids get #1 spot for me. From my first pair of pink convicts to my Midas/ red devil and everything in between. #2 and a very close race I might add with my all time favorite being the hemochromis elongatus 5 spot jewel, stunning fish!

[@bysab2741]

I would go towards American cichlids. I am being biased in a way. I own a beautiful Jack Dempsey, 4x Firemouths, 4x Boliviam Rams, 4x Blue Rams. To me they are a bit more hardy than the African cichlids. Also their personalities is something I can watch all day.

[@kjanimalexpert6462]

I like Lake Malawi Africans. I currently own my own group of them and it’s like a reality TV show in my living room. They are just a joy to watch. When I first got them, they were much like puppy dogs always at the glass begging for food, but as they grew older, they became more interested in each other. I’ve successfully been able to raise up 3 fry in my main tank. It’s really an amazing tank to watch.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Everytime I go to feed mine, it's like they have never eaten a day in their lives!

[@bettatimestories807]

I don't yet own any cichlids, but the ones I have on my wishlist for the coming few years are shelldwellers (in large part thanks to you & your lowboy!), angelfish and maybe apistos or rams to go in a South American community tank. I'm tempted by Oscars, but I much prefer smaller tanks, I don't think I'd want to give up the space needed for the necessary tank to keep one in (twice the size of my largest community tank). But I learned about an entirely new one thanks to this video, and am going to look into Nannacara Anomala - so beautiful!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Those are all great choices.

[@billcoleman782]

I love the American Cichlids in particular the Bolivian Ram, Whit the exception of Crib's I currently have both and they each have different personalities that like.

[@gkp1595]

South American cichlid. Ram is my fav fish. The way they swim and stay calm interacts with the owner and the cute frontal face makes me fall in love with that cutie.

[@vivienleigh4640]

I'm getting peacocks for a 190 Gallon tank and you just made me very happy. Maybe I could keep at least one Oscar there. I've had Oscars before and I absolutely love them! You don't get more personality in a fish than that.

[@SGBeardedAquarist]

This satisfies my cichlid obsession. More videos like these please!

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Glad I could help. : -)

[@ceramicfish4934]

For me tigar and albino oscar are my favorite. They are big and so interactive.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Oscar's are some of my favorite.

[@lots33ml]

Fossocromis rostratus I've had many different chiclids over the 45 years of keeping fish and my favorite is the malawi sand diver obviously fully mature.

[@fishroombum3771]

Always a fun topic Jason seems like everyone loves to get involved in this conversation! My preference is American, but I still like African too. I have had both and I currently have Oscars,Severums & a Flowerhorn Tank. In the past I have probably had close to 100 different fish, maybe more?

[@PIPERON]

I love your awesome videos, enjoy them very much. Thank for your insight info, very knowledgeable and professional. My all-time favorite Cichlid is Salvini Cichlid, too bad I can't get it here in Singapore.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thank you for watching!

[@KaveManAquatics]

Jason these African cichlids have stolen all my attention. Even my kids noticed lol

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They have a tendency to do that. : -)

[@rubenarreola9993]

Im an international cichlid guy, I love oscars and green terrors, But I'm a fan of frontosa and milawi eyebitters, also can't forget the tilapia species from asia. Also individually I prefer american cichlids, but I prefer african cichlid tanks

[@mankind1234i]

Thank you for your kind of information Keep it up my best wishes are always with you

[@animalhouseIZ]

Electric blue Jack Dempsey. That blue just pops out at you. Mine (have two)are only 1 1/2 inches and had them for bout two months now. Currently in a 40-50gal corner pentagon tank (with plants). Their tank mates 3 loaches (snake looking) 3 silver dollars and 6 panda garra (clean up crew). Later (one the Dempsey get I little bigger) move up to a 60 gallon. Nice video.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Thanks for watching!

[@goose1771]

Tropheus! I love the colony dynamic of these fish.

[@amberhartford3900]

I really love my mbuna tank. But... I've always wanted oscars and y'all have me in love with that altifrons!

[@Cheeseiest1]

I'm a planted tank/aquascaping guy, so the central and south American cichlids are the only ones I've kept, but those African cichlid colors sure are tempting.

[@VoxGav-bd9rc]

Both, depending on what you like. Beautiful African cichlid: Cyathopharynx Foai Beautiful American cichlids: Khronoheros Umbee

[@kathleenherrick7454]

My favorites are my Red Devils . They have so much personality!

[@1776Jan]

The Electric Blue Acara are my favorite. They are very peaceful and colorful.

[@videogazer801]

This video is about South America vs African Cichlids only. Not blue fish. SMH

[@theavengers6969]

vieja synspilum I love mine such gorgeous colors

[@laurenmarie1651]

My favorite are South and Central American I have 3 Texas hybrids and they are just stunning to look at.

[@robertg.4823]

Nice, informative vid, someday....right now I am carrying Tetras, but all are beautiful fish...tnx

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Those a great too!

[@ChrisS.WyoBraska]

Electric blue acara are probably my favorite S American cichlid. Super docile and vibrant

[@brianp6180]

Interesting video! I have been keeping tropical fish for years but I am planing on starting a cichlid tank. I can’t decide which type I want. I have been leaning towards peacocks but love them all. This video didn’t help! So many cool choices from both areas. I always wanted an Oscar they are like water dogs so personable. Mbuna are stunning fish but mean as hell. My water is so perfect for lake malawi cichlids so I have been leaning that way. The debate continues.......

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

The nice thing is if your water is already well suited for Africans they will really thrive in your tanks.

[@KenzieLaMar]

I am in love with South/Central American cichlids. I am planning a monster fish tank now. Cycling a flowerhorn tank now.

[@KenzieLaMar]

As far as my favorite its really hard to say. Oscars for personality and Vieja synspilum for color and body shape. I am new to the Maskaheros you showed. That one is amazing as well. Like I said, I love new world cichlids.

[@9Sept]

I like jewel cichlids perfect sub for Is piranhas. If keep in a community setting. But right now I'm crazy about blue Texas and veja cichlids. And they're perfect together

[@carolwingert64]

Never owned a ciclid other than Angels. Never expect to either but your videos are tempting me.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

They are really cool. : -)

[@scottsemrau2942]

My favorites are 2 many to list. I like them all. Butterkofer,chipokae,auratus,vermivorous, clown, afra, tropeops,johani, socolofi, all zebras. Central and South. Dempsey, jag, dovi, festae, red devil's, oscars,convicts, black belts, synispilums. I like that the second group lives longer.

[@kuddleskoch]

I prefer the American cichlids, the mellow smaller ones are very fun to keep in a group. Lots of plants and rocks, a few rams with cory cats and maybe some inverts roaming around. That's my favorite

[@SG-Cichlids]

I love both but I'd have to give it to the African Cichlids. I think the colors are brighter and a lot of variation.

[@lizdyson3627]

I love Lake tanganykan leleupi, Julidochromas, Shell dwellers and Apistos and Rams. Leleupi are my absolute favs.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

I’m a big fan of the Lake Tanganyikan fish!

[@lizdyson3627]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics do you think I could copy your julie aquarium without them breeding or do a similar thing with Leleupi.? can I just keep all males or all females?

[@Rebecca-fu5hg]

My pair of blue acaras and my pair of pelligrinis were long time faves. I also really like kribensis.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Those are great fish!

[@davewhite9303]

As a novice I thank you, my favorites are African Cichlids for the color and temperament.

[@kennyschindler4203]

I’m an American guy, I would have to say my favorite fish is my big male Parachromis Managuense

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Love those too!

[@raymondg7866]

Love mine too and my Dovii 🐠👍

[@dylanlee2625]

I absolutely love African cichlids, the colors of them are beautiful and I love African cichlid tanks. But i am getting a 25ish galon aquarium and i really want an electric blue ram. So for that reason i think i might have to go with the american cichlids

[@malawilake40]

U can see by my name 😂what I like a prefer..African cichlids...big variety and colors

[@N16D]

Rainbow cichlid vs neolamprologus vs julidochromis who will win?

[@roggy001]

To me a big part of the difference is the environment they are found in ( and what my tank will look like): logs and maybe plants vs rocky reefs

[@tracymanning1919]

I love my mbuna. They are like happy puppies every time they see me. Ya sometimes they nip and chew on each other but they are so excited to see me.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

and it's always like they have never eaten each time you feed them!

[@tracymanning1919]

@@PrimeTimeAquatics exactly! For how smart they seem they have zero memory! O man she walked out washed her hands and came back.... obviously dinner time again!

[@banditfishing1558]

For me it has to be American cichlids. I’m not sure why but I’ve just always loved big American cichlids. My first large tank was a 120 gallon 5ft bow front tank that I bought in early 2019 specifically to get Oscars. Those fish were amazing and I kept a variety of American cichlids in that tank. I had a breeding pair of green Texas cichlids, I had a stunning green terror. Had some amazing vieja argentia too. I had to move them on due to family health issues back in late 2021. I set the tank up again a few days ago and have moved in a group of 7 juvenile Geophagus Brasiliensis and they’re doing really well. Before re setting up that tank I’ve had various other smaller tanks to keep me occupied (29 gallons or smaller) that I’ve kept rams and other dwarf American cichlids in too. I had considered getting African cichlids instead but for me they’re just not interesting enough. Give it 5 years and my opinion could completely change and I’ll have tanks full of Malawi or Tanganyikan cichlid but as of now I much prefer the American cichlids

[@GoatedJoyBoy]

I have a tank Dempsey, striped convict, 2 parrots and 2 severums and a pleco but they all really like eachother I really want a green terror but my local fish store didn't have any 😢 BUT IMMA KEEP LOOKIN

[@Aemilius46]

Kribensis Cichlid, Ram Cichlid, Festivum Flag Cichlid, Julidochromis Cichlids, Apistogramma's, and Golden Dwarf Acara are my favorite and beloved Cichlids!! 🤍🖤🤎💙💛❤️

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

All cool fish!

[@pelhamsaquatics]

I really like all cichlids! That being said, I’ve kept mainly south and Central American cichlids since the 70s.the only African cichlids I’ve owed are hemichromis elongatus 5 spot jewel, and bimaculatus jewel. Also have kept the tilapia buttikoferi too hard to pick a favorite.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Those are cool fish!

[@thedoctor4515]

I love Malawi they are way more smarter than the rest. Actually a research paper was done on them which proved they are actually a super advanced freshwater fishes. Haps: Fossochromis rostratus Peacock : Lwanda Mbuna: yellow labs These are my favorites

[@c00l0ne]

Nice video as usual...Question what are those Yellow ones with black spots?.

[@madmax1412]

I've just got myself a 40G tank. Yes I know it's probably on the small size but that's all I can afford. I came across Cichlid on KZbin and fell in love with the beautiful colours they came in so decided to research more, hence watching this video. I have been told Haps and Peacocks prefer swimming areas whereas Mbuna prefer hiding spots. Which would be the best for my first Cichlid journey temperament wise that are colourful - haps, peacocks or Mbuna? Or do/can I mix them as long as they are all African or all American? So much to learn but enjoying the trip.

[@PrimeTimeAquatics]

Great question - mbuna would be a little easier to deal with in that size tank - especially saulosi, rusty cichlids or yellow labs. The only time I use 40s for peacocks is for a breeding group - 1 male with 3 or 4 females.