New to cichlids!

[Tdemler68]

I just purchased my first 55 gallon aquarium. I am currently cycling and in the mean time I am doing research on the types of cichlids to buy! Any recommendations to the breeds to stick to for a beginner like me? I want very colorful and like the look of electric blue, peacocks, yellow labs etc. any suggestions would be appreciated!

 

[TheScientist]

Livefishdirect.com has a great selection, and was recommended to me by my boss (who gave me my 72 gallon tank). He had cichlids in it before me, and now I'm going for that too!

I hear otopharynx (peacock) are beautiful, as are polits (mbuna)

 

[TheScientist]

Part of the reason I commented is that I'm looking for recommendations as well! I'm totally open to suggestions, and can't wait to build this tank out more.

Best of luck to you, OP, as we start this journey together!

 

[toolman]

When I had cichlids, my yellow labs were my absolute favorite!

 

[toolman]

Welcome to AA
Nice tank, by the way!

 

[NYDiver]

My flowerhorn is my favorite.. but in my other tank my Electric blue is awesome.. and as he grows his colors get better.. and he's a personable little fish..

 

[cichlidguy14]

I really like the variations of auloncara and hapolochromis. There are very many different types to suit you liking

 

[dpeco33]

If doing African cichlids. There are so many options.. Just Google them.. they like rocks with tons of space to take on their own.. South American are a bit different in that they need slightly different water parameters and grow quite large..
Mbuna, they say to put many in to disperse the aggression. I am no expert, but when comes to African, the peacocks are super beautiful and not quite aggressive.. But also get bigger. I have seen people do all make show tanks with them and it is just unreal the colors you get with those fresh water fish..

 

[the wiz]

Acei are nice and very striking as they get bigger. not very agressive