Keeping cichlids can be a challenge for beginners, due to aggression issues, water parameters, and and tank size requirements. So the list below of best beginner cichlids is based on these key areas, along with how hardy some of these cichlids can be. Most of these fish are also readily available at fish stores and very common to find, so finding these fish should be available to most people. A main theme for all of the fish on this list is tank size. Most of these fish will do just fine in a 75 gallon tank, and some could even work out in much smaller tanks. We kept that in mind since most beginners won’t have a 180 gallon or larger tank right off the bat. As always though, we’d say the larger the tank, the better.
10. Jack Dempsey
One of our all time favorite cichlids is the Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata). I currently have “Jack” in my 75 gallon tank in my classroom, along with one of his offspring in another tank. Jack was the first cichlid I ever owned, and it’s what made me obsessed with cichlid keeping. Jack Dempsey cichlids are one of the hardiest cichlids you will ever find. I inherited and rescued Jack from a teacher who had passed away and his tank was extremely dirty. I fixed up his tank all those years ago and now he’s an awesome colorful adult. I really don’t know what other fish could’ve made it through that situation, but I’m glad Jack did. Jack Dempsey cichlids are Central American cichlids that can usually do well in a tank with similarly sized American cichlids and some of the larger barbs and tetras. The main reason Jack Dempsey’s are number 10 on the list, and not higher, is that some of them can be aggressive. It can be a little bit of challenge to manage that aggression if you’re new to cichlids, but most Jack Dempsey’s we’ve had have actually been pretty docile. I would recommend a 75 gallon tank or larger for an adult; however, some juveniles can be kept in smaller tanks as they grow out.
9. Sciaenochromis Fryeri (Electric Blue Hap)
Coming in at number 9 on the list is the Sciaenochromis Fryeri, the electric blue hap. I have one in my 125 gallon lake Malawi hap tank, and although he’s smaller than the rest of the Lake Malawi haps in the tank, he holds his own. They are great for beginners due to their compatibility with a lot of different African cichlid setups. They can hold their own with bigger predatory haps , and they can also work with some peacocks and even mbuna in the right situation. The males also have bright blue colors at a young age, so you get to see that awesome pop of color right away, while some other African cichlids might take awhile to color up fully. Although they stay about 6-7 inches in max length, I would recommend a 75 gallon tank at a minimum as they are open water swimmers. Due their wide range of tank mates and awesome bright color, the Sciaenochromis Fryeri is a great option for beginners looking into African cichlids.
8. Kribensis Cichlid
Number 8 on the list is the Kribensis cichlid. Kribensis cichlids are often available at the big box stores like Petco and PetSmart, and they are good options for beginners due to their smaller size, great colors, and peaceful nature for a cichlid.
Kribensis cichlids can go well in most community setups and are usually docile in comparison to other cichlids. Tank size can also be relatively modest at around 30-40 gallons being sufficient, and they usually be kept in planted aquariums without issues.
Kribensis cichlids are actually African cichlids; however, they do not originate from the rift lakes like many others. Kribensis come from west African river systems, so they aren’t really categorized or even similar to mbuna, peacocks and haps. Due to this, they can be kept in softer water with lower PH than most rift lake African cichlids. The river systems also have more plants, driftwood, and rocks than you would typically find in the large lakes in Africa, and I would recommend mimicking this environment in your aquarium as much as possible.
Kribensis cichlids also have great color, with blue, purple, reds and yellows throughout, making them a popular choice for many beginner aquarist.
Overall, Kribensis cichlids are a good choice if you are looking for a smaller community cichlid with great color and a mild temperament.
7. Apistogramma
One of my favorite cichlids is the Apistogramma. There are many different types of Apistogramma, which can come in a ton of varieties and with a wide range of colors. Since they stay small at (topping out around 3 inches), they are perfect for beginners due to a tank size. Apistogramma can comfortably fit in a 20 gallon tank. They are also peaceful and can go with most community fish. In fact, they were our top choice on our list for Top 10 Community Cichlids. I have a Apistogramma macmasteri, he’s been an awesome centerpiece for a smaller tank. Apistogramma are South American cichilds, so they do best in softer water with a lower PH. Totally recommend the Apistogramma species for beginners and experts alike.
6. Yellow Tail Acei
One of the best options for beginners looking to keep African cichlids is the Yellow Tail Acei (Pseudotropheus acei). In general, mbuna cichlids are aggressive and are typically placed in overstocked tanks to mitigate that aggression. However, one of the more peaceful mbuna cichlids is the Yellow Tail Acei. They have blueish purple in their body and a bright yellow tail, which makes them stand out in a tank. I used to have a few in my mbuna tank a few years back and they were one of my favorites in the tank due to their color and relatively peaceful nature. I would recommend keeping them with other mbuna in a 55 gallon tank or larger, and they will usually do really well and not cause too many problems with aggression.
5. Severum Cichlid
Another one of my all time favorite cichlids is the Severum cichlid. I currently have 3 in my 180 gallon aquarium. I love the Severum due to its many color variations and peaceful nature. They really are gentle giants, and most of the time will just slowly float around in the tank. They seem to be very smart and size me up, always wanting more food. Severums are very curious fish and have a great personality. My single favorite fish I’ve ever kept is “Big Red”. He’s a red spot gold Severum, or sometimes just a called a Gold Severum. He’s been such a great tank mate over the years for many different South American cichlids, including Geophagus species, Electric Blue Acaras, and a Chocolate cichlid. The great thing about Severums is that they can hold their own against larger tank mates but also go well with smaller fish since they have small mouths and are relatively peaceful cichlids. Severums are very hardy cichlids as well, making them perfect for beginners. They do get large though, so I would recommend a 55 gallon tank at minimum, but a 75 gallon or greater would really be ideal for an adult with tank mates. Overall, the Severum is a great cichlid to keep and I highly recommend them for anyone.
4. Electric Blue Acara
A great choice for any beginner is the Electric Blue Acara. They have bright blue colors, and they have that at a young age and throughout adulthood. The pop of color looks amazing when you have a community aquarium. Electric Blue Acaras do well with a lot of other American cichlids, so they can work out for many different setups. From as big to the Oscar to as small as a keyhole cichlid, they have a large range of compatibility with other cichlids. They really hold their own against some of the more aggressive fish out there as well. The Electric Blue Acara maxes out around 6-7 inches in length, so you don’t need a massive tank to keep them. They are pretty active swimmers though, so I would recommend a 55 gallon or larger. My Electric Blue Acaras swim back and forth all day and provides a lot of activity to the tank, along with that pop of bright blue color. Electric blue acara are relatively hardy as well, not to be confused with the Electric Blue Jack Dempsey, which has a reputation of being difficult to keep. I will always have at least one Electric Blue Acara in my aquariums as they are simply the best.
3. Yellow Labs
The Yellow Lab (Labidochromis caeruleus) is maybe the most peaceful of all mbuna species. Due to this peaceful nature, they are great options for a beginner getting into African cichlids. The Yellow Lab would do well in a tank with other mbuna, in a tank with many rocks and caves for them to swim through and hide from others. They can go well with the Yellow Tail Acei, as mentioned earlier, as well as many of the other mbuna species. The Yellow Lab has bright yellow coloration with some black trim on their fins. They standout and look great with other African cichlids, and I would highly recommend them for any mbuna tank setup.
2. Firemouth Cichlid
The Firemouth cichlid (Thorichthys meeki) is a staple of the aquarium hobby, and one of the most colorful species to keep. The Firemouth cichlid is a Central American cichlid that stays medium in size, so they don’t require a massive aquarium. They are usually semi-aggressive, so they are compatible with many other cichlids and community fish. Firemouth cichlids may pick off smaller tetras or barbs once they are adults, but it can sometimes work well.
Firemouth cichlids are relatively hardy fish and they are very easy to breed, making them ideal for beginners. I would recommend a tank size of at least 40 gallons for one Firemouth, with some sand, driftwood, and rocks throughout their tank.
The coloration on the Firemouth is another reason they are great for most tanks, as they have bright red along their bottom and dark grey bodies. They will also develop some blue spangling along their fins as they grow into adults. A great fish to keep due to their tank size, temperament, and coloration.
1. Convict Cichlid
The Convict cichlid is one of the most beginner friendly choices of all cichlids. Convicts are extremely hardy fish that can hold their own with a variety of tank mates, and they stay relatively small so they do not require a massive tank.
Convicts can withstand many beginner level mistakes and survive when many other fish would not. Obviously, it is best to provide appropriate care and make sure the Convict is in a happy, healthy environment, but for a beginner, Convicts are a great choice in this regard.
Convict cichlids can also work in many tank setups with a variety of tank mates. Because they are so feisty and pack a punch for a small fish, they can actually do well with larger cichlid species like the Green Terror, Jack Dempsey, or even the Oscar.
Convicts can also do just fine in “smaller” aquariums, with a recommended tank size of 30+ gallons. If you’re going to have tank mates, I would recommend a 40 gallon or larger.
Overall, Convicts are a great cichlid with unique coloration and personality, and due to their hardy nature, they would do very well for the beginner aquarist.
