Top 10 Best Cichlids for Beginners! (Beautiful and NOT Overly Aggressive)

[@BenOchart]

Want more tips and tricks to care for your fish? Check out these playlists! Best Fish Keeping Tips Playlist is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoDLeItfzOiRG8DV-1W9qNX4 Lowering and Controlling Nitrates Playlist is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoD-pzZaHgtIFqurG9HZn2zz Every Live Stream is Here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoApHjaPfc6rdr7oipfEbZ-k The Water Change Tips & Tricks Playlist is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoCdEYkD0rQa0OWejFk5-bHD SunSun Canister Filter Playlist is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoCiMWEpBFJFJGxTqJH_MdMg Fluval Canister Filter Playlist is here: kzbin.info/aero/PLr8ew8o8WXoC8gSuqdG1c4nOzlAMFTmiD

[@tbonesfishies1797]

Hi Ben I'm getting a 21gal or 80lit tank what type of fish do you suggest to put in this tank. Would tiger barbs or similar fish be good this size tank.

[@bigcity1412]

Would this work for a 55 gallon

[@NittanyFins]

THANK YOU BEN!!! I'm cycling my new 125 and I've not raised African cichlids before. So...I've been struggling with WHAT to stock my tank with for weeks now once it's cycled. This video was exactly what I needed and will give me a great place to start! Thank you again.

[@BenOchart]

NittanyFins That’s awesome! What did you end up getting?

[@cjyota32]

Finally a beginner cichlid list not filled with mbuna!! Thanks Ben and I agree with your choices!

[@raphaelknoops750]

Whats wrong with mbuna’s?

[@ritabeitz9598]

@@raphaelknoops750 My experience has been that most of the guys like the other bigger Cichlids as they are more macho type fishes. I find a lot of women preferring mbunas. I am one of them. Of course this is not for everyone. But i would rather see mbunas more than any other type of cichlid.

[@LAIKEM45]

Ben your one of the best around I need a list of what not to get lol....I've made a terrible mistake of getting mbunas and peacocks in my 75 gallon without doing my homework.....just imagine what I've been through.....never will I do anything without reading and asking questions again....love the videos!

[@BenOchart]

I used to keep a mixed tank, Mbuna, Haps and Peacocks. It worked…Until it didn’t. When the Mbuna put on size they were vicious in protecting their territory. So, despite looking Mbuna, I ended up keeping only peas and Haps, and it’s worked out well😀👍🏻

[@ruthwalker5179]

Excellent video. I love all of these fish and wish I had them.

[@evettepenny6742]

Thanks for using names for the fish that I can pronounce. Now I can go to the pet shop without a dictionary. 😊

[@quansingleton9097]

Excellent list

[@BenOchart]

Glad you think so!

[@catfishcave379]

Us Malawi noobs really appreciate this! Filed away for future use. My top ten are all South Americans save for one West African.

[@johnborginson366]

you are a pleasure to llisten to and very informative. I am redoing my 55gal. acrylic hex and am seriously thinking of going cichlid because of you

[@BenOchart]

Thank you John. I appreciate the kind words and certainly update me on your progress.

[@michael-ev5fk]

Another great video Ben. Love your easy jovial presentation filled with excellent real life knowledge and experiences. Thanks again 😊

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Michael. Very encouraging!

[@AlgaeWhisperer]

Looks like a great top ten list, thanks so much for sharing Ben ! .... could most of those fish be kept with various variety of Geophagus ? Cheers Mike

[@hellspawn8572]

Number two looks nice. Different blue from every other African cichlids

[@BenOchart]

One of my favorite all time fish both for color and temperament, Placidochromis Jalo Reef. Highly recommended 😀👍🏻

[@ranjanty]

I'm a beginner and the video I took advice from (before I found you) said mbuna was good for first timers.😮

[@philhare7851]

really have enjoyed your videos...just got back having an aquarium again and how much I have learned just from a few videos....

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Phil. It's people like you and comments like this that motivate me to continue.

[@dennisruedel]

Hi Ben, Boom, another smash hit video!!! I really enjoyed your choice of fish. They would make for a very beautiful, peaceful tank. Keep up the great work, I will definitely share this one. Thanks for sharing.

[@ttravreefsaquatics8354]

Awesome looking top 10 Ben😎👍🏾, , thanks for giving me some ideas

[@yandenuts]

Love your vids mate.. No pretentiousness, just straight our sharing the love. Thanks.

[@BenOchart]

Thank you Mark, that means a lot, thanks!

[@HeatherNielsenScarletAquatics]

Thank you very much for this info, Ben! The Ruby Red Peacock is my fav on this list.

[@BenOchart]

Heather Nielsen - Scarlet Aquatics Yes, they are amazing. Also check out Eureka Red and German Red, all great fish 😀

[@chrisloudermilk6502]

Thanks for giving your 10 peaceful African Cichlids I'm new to this and love these fish . This is my question I have a 95 gallon pentagon corner tank will these fish do well in it

[@BenOchart]

That's a good size and would be best suited for some of the smaller fish on the list such as the placidochromis and lethrinops varieties. Some of the "open water swimmer" do better in tanks that are 6' across (when they reach full size). Consider the Bi-color 500 (gets around 5"), the lethrinops Red Cap, Flavescent and Jalo Reef. All beautiful, relatively peaceful and good for that size and shape of an aquarium IMO.

[@chrisloudermilk6502]

@@BenOchart Thanks for getting back to me your comments are very important to me and my new tank.

[@inventoryking]

That Red Cap 🤩🤩🤩🤩🤩 Placidochromis are awesome fish. I hope to own a Wild Caught Placidochromis VC-10 one day, they have huge lips. Great 10 Ben

[@milehighbeerguy4586]

Nice, I just got a 75 gallon and looking to start a cichlid tank.. Thanks for the suggestions!

[@chasememez2329]

I just got a 65 gallon and I'm so excited!

[@BenOchart]

It's a great size to work with!

[@stevesaquatics165]

Great video Ben. That red cap deserves the top spot for sure.

[@aussbasstony9763]

Simple to the point and easy to understand , great Video👍

[@corey6269]

Love the content Ben Ochard keep it up. I may ask u for some pointers sometime...always somthing to learn, I look foward to seeing more!!!!

[@johnmartinez4943]

I always marvel at your filtration. Your fish are stunning, the work you put in has really paid off. Thanks for sharing your methods and tips!

[@magicalsquid2750]

These fish look great and all, but where the heck can I find these? MY fish stores don't carry any of these.

[@tommy2tone8650]

That salsa was on point good top 10 for a beginner. 🇵🇷 wepa!

[@josemontalvo4532]

MEDINA CICHLIDS Wepa hermanó!

[@alekkoomanoff7281]

Why no yellow lab? Have only grown South Americans, Tanganyikans and westies, but am really drawn to that fish.

[@maniyac64]

GREAT CONTENDERS! Thanks for the tip

[@jezzabb3707]

Blaupunktbuntbarsch (Andinoacara pulcher) Is also a easy fish and I really love them

[@damonghanayem9982]

Excellent subject for a video Ben thanks!

[@markgafus782]

Ben, could i keep multiples of these 10 fish in a 75 gallon? Love your videos, keep up the excellent work.

[@robingagan6288]

I'm a beginner (though I'm old) and I love my electric blue acaras.

[@Willy101975]

Awesome and beautiful selection of hardy fish for beginners! 👍🐟

[@jamesmoore603]

Great video! I just purchased a used fluval 406. I was wondering what Media you would put in it?Always love you videos you help me a ton! Thanks!

[@51inches]

HI BEN; GREAT VIDEO AS USUAL.....GREAT CHOICES FOR BEGINNERS.....

[@BenOchart]

Thanks Daniel!

[@Elizabeth-eo6ie]

you may have just converted me to cichlids. LOL

[@nicholastaylor2641]

This is really helpful and informative. Many thanks

[@huntingwolf20]

Should be top 10 African cichlids I think. Still a good list.

[@BenOchart]

I admit that I'm biased. Thank you for watching 😀

[@vampgaia]

Very helpful. Thank you.

[@gtlmike843]

Beautiful fish.. nice video too...

[@tamaraelza]

Thank you for the wonderful information

[@MrPaulmilk]

Nice video

[@KGcichlids]

Now if only my lfs kept these species 😆 great video Ben, - half a beer 🍺

[@martroger5063]

I'm thinking of getting into cichlids in the future. I have 180l tank with livebearers in at the moment. information you have given me about the best fish to start off with is really great thank you 😉

[@BenOchart]

You are welcome. They are a very interesting breed and a lot of fun to keep. Never a dull moment.

[@jbx907]

thank you

[@pokefusion746]

I was hoping you would pick the Lethrinops as #1 😍 I love mine. They have an interesting personality.

[@1raavan]

9:32......thanks for that....loved it the most....❤️🙏

[@Soyskee]

Great video!

[@paulcox4369]

Hi Ben your fish look wonderful. You have obviously left your SA cichlids far behind! I would have put a few of them on my list.

[@davidsfishtanks9347]

Great Video sir Happy Holidays !

[@davidlangston6927]

This is great thanks! I am just starting my 75gal tank. I love angels and am wondering if I introduce the Angels first and then some of these cichlids if that would work.

[@BenOchart]

Because of the high pH needed by African Cichlids, and the aggression, I wouldn’t suggest mixing them.

[@joet6494]

All such stunning fish Ben.

[@larrymoyer6178]

Hi Ben, new to your channel. You are very relaxing to listen too.

[@aaronkunkel2022]

Good list

[@donaldlopez15]

Ben the #1 fish where did u get it? Never seen it my local area fish store. Not even CK fish world didn't have it.

[@BenOchart]

You’ll need to order from someone like the Cichlid Shack. The are amazing fish.

[@CarlosAlvarez-fv3di]

Thank you Ben for your videos love them all I’m starting a 75. Would that amount be good to start off with some people say 10 to 15 and if you agree on 15 can you name another five for me? Thank you so much love all your videos. Switching over from salt water to cichlids 🎉

[@cichlidscape]

Red caps a good number one Ben! I’d love a breeding group of them🔥 so they do well with all your other aulonocara & placidochromis etc?

[@BenOchart]

Cichlidscape • He’s the boss and as soon as anyone puts on size or attitude they get moved to the 100.

[@jastua8082]

Thanks so much for the info....

[@charliekeller4972]

Absolutely beautiful fish could you give us some pointers on say a smaller tank like a 55 gallon with a very personable Fish or two

[@BenOchart]

Thank you. The one's mentioned would be okay in a 55 gal. The only one I wouldn't throw in there would be the Red Cap and possibly the Lemon jake because they are so very docile.

[@cichlidkingaquatics5988]

I had a ruby red that almost killed every fish in his tank. I understand temperament varies.

[@tarlrichardson]

Thanks Ben I'm getting a 75 gallon. I want all males how many should i stock in the tank? Going to use the 10 you just listed.

[@ovethompson9611]

Hey Ben, I am setting up a community 68 gallon tank and will be doing kribs and similar with barbs, danios, Cory’s, etc. My second project is a 44 G African cichlids, Mbunda. I will have large pieces (10+”) of grape agate cluster rocks with rough surfaces. Are some Mbunda more susceptible to skin issues from abrasions that may occur with rock contact? I also prefer such specimens to be smaller in size,

[@BenOchart]

I try to avoid too many sharp points. Mostly because they can dart around when startled and catch an eye that can then turn into an infection.

[@tommyblansett9254]

Very pretty fish in s besutiful aquarium. The clown loach will get much bigger most if not all the cichlids he named are in commonly known because of their beauty as the peacock cichlid group were Utaka (open water) cichlis from Lake Malawi and are also known to be more peaceful that the rock-loving mbuna (means rock fish). He also had some sleepers or sleeper cichlids or kaligona (sleeper in Chichewa), Nimochromis known as sleeper due to their habit of pretending to be dead to capture small fish. Most famous for this tactic is Nimbochromis livingstonii a.k.a. Livingston's. This tactic is also used by a Central American cichlid Parachromis fredrichsthalii (Yellowjacket cichlid) which is also known for feigning death to lure small prey fish. Nimbochromis venustus a.k.a. Venustus hap or Giraffe hap, imao, the most beautiful of the Nimbochromis group and peaceful shifts substrate much in the manner of South American cichlids of Geophagus genus on the aquarium. This information comes from Alexrod's books, Wikipedia and several other authors as well as my experience with species: N. venustus, N. livingstonii, N. polystigma, G. steinachneri (Redhump eartheater), Satanoperca jurupari (Demon earthester), and Chromobotia macracanthus (Clown loach) as well as mbuna.

[@juliancooper329]

good video thank you i learned something

[@aidanwright1027]

hey ben my first real fish besides a betta was two oscars ive had them for about 1 1/2 years now but i would not reccomend them for a begginer.

[@ronrosen5731]

You mention that these fish can be kept in a 60 for a long time. First off, what's the definition of a long time and second, what happens after a long time is up? What do you need to house them then? How big do they all get? (all info I wish you had included) Beautiful fish BTW!

[@BenOchart]

In a wide open (not too cluttered with decor) set-up you could leave all ten of them in there for life. They certainly would be more comfortable in a 6' tank, but what fish wouldn't be? The only fish I would hesitate keeping in that mix in a 55 would be the Red Cap since after the the others put on size it could get stressful for him. Even the Lemon Jake might be a little stressed only because they tend to be so timid. I'd add a yellow Benga (Sunshine) for variety.

[@ronrosen5731]

@@BenOchart I love your presentations, the way you interact with everyone, the wise, experienced advice and the way you reach out to your viewers for input. Thank you, your efforts are appreciated by man and fish alike.

[@comealong123]

Trying to keep all ten for life in a 60 is likely to be a failure for a beginner. I've been a fan since you started@@BenOchart

[@portdawg1595]

I am new to cichlids and hopefully getting my 75 gallon tank soon. Would these cichlids on this list be ok to put in the 75 gallon with my pictus catfish? I want to get the Cats out of my 38 gallon. Any info is greatly appreciated.

[@lindaford8513]

Thanks Ben... I really want to buy some aciclids, but just DID NOT KNOW which ones. Happy to cut you slack....You gave me 11 !!! PS- Is it true they tear up plants? I just bought a load full from Cory. I may have to purchase another Tank ..... Hee-hee-hee

[@BenOchart]

Linda Ford anubias plants (recommended for Cichlids) survived until the fish got over 2”. Then they just tore the plants apart.

[@robruntv737]

Can I put clown loach in a 75 gallon fish tank with cichlids because I spotted one or two in the tank behind you?

[@BenOchart]

4 or 5 years ago I added 3 and they've done great. Put them in in groups of 3 or more. They do better with more in the tank.

[@mikelane4005]

Are peacocks generally pretty good for a cichlid beginner? Tips and/or tricks or videos you would suggest? Thanks.

[@BenOchart]

Surprisingly peacocks can be very hard on each other. Avoid "jake" like lemon jake, otter point and eureka red jake. That family can be very aggressive. So can protomelas like fire hap, Taiwan reef and tangerine tigers. If you stayed with peacocks like Ruby Reds, Bi-color 500, Flavescent, Benga sunshines you should be okay.

[@Calilasseia]

Why do so many people think that " Cichlids" equals "African Rift Lake species"? If you're prepared to look elsewhere, there are several species that are not only excellent beginner's fishes, but in some cases are compatible with Tetras, small Barbs and Corydoras catfishes, and don't need to be kept in water that's basically liquid rock. First off, there's Anomalochromis thomasi, one of the two avowedly pacifist Cichlid species (I'll come to the other in a moment), which produces stunning breeding colours, and won't turn into a berserker overnight when raising young. Will make do with a 29 gallon if you're keeping a pair, and a 55 will provide a happy home for a dozen of them. Then there's the other pacifist, Laetacara curviceps. Again compatible with small "regular community" fish, and again, won't turn into a berserker overnight. Of you could go for something a little bigger, and opt for Cleithrocara maronii, a good choice if you're looking for something that will live happily with, for example, Pearl Gouramis. A little more temperamental, but still considerably less belligerent than many Rift Lake species, is Herotilapia multispinosa. Breeds beautifully in a 55. You could also go for something like Apistogramma panduro, whose small size means you can keep it in a 29 gallon. Furthermore, the VAST difference in appearance between male and female, means you can guarantee to acquire a pair for breeding, no guesswork involved! Or, if you can find this rarity, you could go with the "super dwarf" Apistogramma angayuara. So small you can keep a pair in a 15 gallon, or no less than six in a 29. There's more to Cichlids than Rift Lake species!!!!

[@BenOchart]

Good recommendations. My focus, as you can tell, are Lake Malawi African Cichlids, but there certainly is a world of cichlids out there that go way beyond Lake Malawi. Thanks!

[@jeffkoons1538]

Do you have a lot of books or do you study on the web, great job beautiful fish 🐠

[@Randyminder]

Great video - thank you. Of the 10 you mentioned, are there any that should not be kept in the same 75G tank?

[@BenOchart]

Yes. Lethrinops should not be mixed with any larger more aggressive fish like a Nimbochromis or even fish in the Protomelas family, like the Taiwan Reef and Fire Hap.

[@marieclark7019]

Hi I'm new to the hobby,I raised Oscars about 15 years ago,now I'm building a tank with mbuna,which is crazy,bought my first four fish around 3 months ago,ended up 2 females 2 males,2 ýellow labs decided to have fry,now my two blue mbuna are also ready to produce some fry,so wasn't realy ready for all this but I have 2 well sized baby fish just starting to interact with the rest of the tank mates,my tank is a 250 litre corner tank,I'm thinking of buying a 300 litre tank to separate girls from boys,having watched your video I'm not sure if these fish would mix with african mbuna ???

[@rosiefeeback5012]

Are the fish you showed all Male? Is it best to have all Male? Can you mix male and female (of same or different species)?

[@kasperkjrsgaard1447]

Rosie Feeback I believe that the fish showed are all males. Yes, of course you can mix male and female cichlids but be careful not to mix any who can interbreed. Choose 3-4 different species ( or how manu you can have in your aquarium ) and enjoy it when they start to reproduce.

[@lisafoster4468]

Love the star sapphire's color. Where would you say they are in terms of temperament? Roughly compatible with peacocks, or no?

[@oruwatching]

Beginner question, I love all the fish on the list. Are these all males, or do females also get this nice? If just males can you specify males only when you order fish? Thanks so much.

[@antoniociclix1101]

Hi, beautiful video. What species of aulonocara would you recommend me for a 65 gallinas tank? Is It better keep just males? Joe many fishes may I keep in it? Thanks so much.

[@adamspiegel7955]

where does one buy such a beautiful fish tank like that?

[@BenOchart]

Thank you. You really can't buy it. It's put together over time. You select decor, substrate, fish selection. It comes with time.

[@Random_Things1001]

Yellow lab all the way. I know they are mbuna but hear me out. They are the least aggressive mbuna and in fact fairly peaceful except for a dominant male. They stay rather on the smaller side. They are very hardy. They are very easy to find at pet stores. And they breed very easy which is awesome. You can also house them with other tropical aquarium fish. I know everybody has their opinions but I have mbuna tank and in my experience all this is true. Also a yellow tail acei but they get a little larger.

[@brianhiltbrunner7439]

I am a total beginner with a Yellow Lab species only tank. I am raising a batch of fry they have already produced now. While I have had a tank 20 years ago I was the Dr Kevorkian of fish keeping and could not keep fish alive for anything. The Yellow Labs have been so easy to care for, and would recommend them to anyone getting into cichlids.

[@andrewdix3466]

Beautiful fish Ben! I've currently ordered some of these fish for our new tank the Ruby, z rock and lemon jake. Ive also ordered some OB cichlids, but my concern is potential aggression from the OB's. Is this combination a potential problem particularly from the OB's? I plan on adding the fish over a period of time, but my concern is ill be singing the circle of life to my son now. Im super new to the hobby so should i reconsider the OB's?

[@BenOchart]

My concern is the Lemon Jake. They are usually (in my experience) very gentle and a little timid/meek. The Z Rock and Ruby will hold their own. It also depends on the OB. They come with different temperaments. Hope you get a mellow one, but keep an eye on them and watch for fin damage or one of the fish hiding all the time. This will be a sign that they are under a lot of stress.

[@BenOchart]

Andrew Dix I’ve been lucky with OBs. Dragon Bloods and albinos have been a problem. To be safe let the tank get established then add OBs that are slightly smaller

[@dhonnavlogs4830]

very nice content .support you.see you around.stay safe friend.have nice day.

[@sandravaldez995]

Thank you! How about Blue Rams for 50 gal.

[@BenOchart]

Blue and Gold Rams are beautiful and should do fine in a 50.

[@lakemalawifishkeeping2599]

I'm going to take your advice I'm starting a 60

[@BenOchart]

Jose Rivera Let me know how it goes 😀

[@Chris29909]

Hey ben What do ya think about adding a protomelas steveni to an all male mbuna tank

[@BenOchart]

chris lu I don’t think it would end well...

[@AldwinsBlog]

I just started my cichlids tank got mbuna

[@surfingtim23]

Electric blue acara!

[@jasonmcbee5295]

Hi Ben. Love your channel. Starting a 75 gallon peacock tank and want to get your thoughts on how I plan to stock it. My thought is that I want 4 species and end up with 24 fish. I was thinking that I would get groups of 8 unsexed juveniles, introduced in 30 day increments (after quarantine). Once I can determine sex, I would leave a dominant male, a subdominant male and 4 females per species. I was thinking red caps, ruby reds, yellow bengas and bi-color 500’s. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[@todddiedrich9106]

Once again Ben very beautiful fish all very nice colors pristine looking tanks. If I breed two different mbunas yellow lab and pseudotropheus saulosi do I get to name the species

[@colinbailey2726]

What do people normally do with unwanted fry? I have about a dozen baby Peacocks.

[@todddiedrich9106]

I haven’t sold any yet still growing them out. I’m planning to sell them to my local fish store. Still new to this myself only on 2nd batch of fry. Still figuring out if it’s worth it

[@BenOchart]

I have no idea on that one. I believe it would be a “hybrid” like an OB

[@todddiedrich9106]

I have heard that the yellow lab is a dominant jean so they all should stay yellow but haven’t found anything supporting that time will only tell

[@jeffjackson9679]

!. Managuense 2. Texas Cichlid 3. Oscar 4. Hornet Tilapia 5. Red Devil 6. Green Terror 7. Cuban Cichlid 8. Dovii 9. Midas Cichlid 10. Crazy Hybrid Cichlid (your choice) Throw all those guys in a 29 gallon tank with a bunch of feeders and a big ass pleco and watch the magic begin! Wooooo!!!

[@kristenwinter8157]

So are all these peacocks? And all of the ones you mentioned can be in a tank together? I’m going to do an all peacock tank.

[@BenOchart]

Watch my latest about 5 Peacocks. You'll get even more excited 😀

[@brianholbrook4159]

Like the video, but change the name. 10 African cichlids!~!

[@jeffpelphrey3953]

Ben, when I was a young adolescent/teenager in the late 60s early 70s I had a pair of Kribensis and that's when I fell in love with Dwarf Chiclids. Due to things in life and moving a lot due to my career keeping fish was out of the question. My question is can Kribs be kept in a tank with other Chichlids. Should Chiclids be kept as pairs or does it matter. Probably will have a 50-75 gal. tank. I am retired now so the fish will be taken care of. Thanks for any info

[@shaun9107]

Are these natural sea fish or GMO , they all look different but they are the same family . There eye position are all the same ?

[@BenOchart]

shaun all natural 100% organic and gluten free 😉

[@bigcity1412]

Would this work for a 55 gallon

[@BenOchart]

The smaller varieties would. In my more recent videos I have several of them in a 55

[@krissarni6074]

FIRST OFF, LOOVE YOUR CHANNEL!! I have TWO ?’s for my 2 60 gallon tanks... So my 60 gallon community tank has 2 leopard Ctnenomas and Rainbows, Dwarfs, Mollies, X-ray Tetras etc I just added 2 German blue rams that are females my Appisto died that was a male.... Sooo 2 things please ANYONE ?? In the 60 gallon community tank what are good options for adding one more ( due to 2 females ) Theen I have nothingin my new 60 gallon tank that’ll be ONLY Cichlids...... If I could get away with making it a community cichlid tank or ones that get along not getting bigger than around 5-7”s max? What would be some suggestions? THANKS TO ANYONE WHO TOOK TIME TO READ THIS

[@ritabeitz9598]

I am relatively new to cichlids, but I still feel that there is a certain recipe that works for some and not for others. I think that there are always going to be more aggressive species but then there are always exceptions. For this hobby there are so many variables. The bigger the tank obviously the less aggression. But then so many things are at stake. The size of the fish, the sexes of the fish, the ages of the fish, and then of course the specific personalities of each individual fish. Some small fish can be demons and then larger can be docile. I have chickens and one thing I noticed is that the more I read about certain varieties the less I knew. Every chicken has a different temperament and different personality. I do not think fish are much different. There are no guarantees and you just have to try fish out. Remove the demons and keep going. Try different scapes, different foods and of course different varieties. Frankly as well intentioned you are, I think it just best to stick with similar varieties, Haps with haps, peacocks with peacocks, and mbunas with mbunas.

[@lobosjeffunnormal6209]

Any Convict cichlids

[@jimlynch1372]

Ben, do you get most of your fish locally or are most of them shipped? If you get them shipped, who do you like and why. Starting over with a nice 55 with a pretty big pleco that was the only survivor of a stubborn ich infestation

[@BenOchart]

Sorry about the fish loss Jim. I really like the following: Live Fish Direct, The Wonder of Cichlids, The Cichlid Shack, Cunningham Cichlids, Imperial Tropicals, Dave's Rare Fish, all good sources that I have used with success.