south american or african??
- Thread starter sephir420
- Start date
I have to say...I am rather bitter towards African cichlids...can't stand them. They are beautiful and amazing and everything....but they are stealing the spot light. Too many pet stores are focusing on selling African cichlids that they are neglecting and not getting SA and CA cichlids. And its very frustrating and annoying to say the least. I've seen LFS gradually get taken over by African cichlids cuz people are impressed by the imidiate beautiful colors. I think there are TONS of SA and CA cichlids that would knock the socks offa any African...its just people can't realize that when they see the juvs. I just wish that there were still some pet stores out there that focused more on SA and CA cichlids than Africans......
SA/CA cichlids all the way. When I was a beginner, I used to like African cichlids because their colors. I started with electrical yellow, blue, peacocks, and mbuna. Then, I switched to tropheus and calvus only. I got bored very quickly because they are so boring. I just gave away my last "red rainbow" tropheus, but I am still keeping all my "oval spot" black calvus.
Right now, I am keeping mostly large CA cichlids. They have great personality but they do consume alot of resource. For example, very large tank, better filtration, only few fish per tank, more water changes, more food and etc...
Most LFS stock African cichlids because they are easy to sell and require less space. Most CA/SA juvies are black and white, and average customers probably would not spend money on some fish that does not have good colors. I think that is why African cichlids are more popular than CA/SA cichlids.
Right now, I am keeping mostly large CA cichlids. They have great personality but they do consume alot of resource. For example, very large tank, better filtration, only few fish per tank, more water changes, more food and etc...
Most LFS stock African cichlids because they are easy to sell and require less space. Most CA/SA juvies are black and white, and average customers probably would not spend money on some fish that does not have good colors. I think that is why African cichlids are more popular than CA/SA cichlids.
Thats exactly why Africans are sold more often. Cuz they are pretty right from that start. I know of many people though that have kept Africans and are now switching to SA/CA...lol....cuz they got bored. Either that or they are gettin outa the hobby.....start with SA....you can't go wrong!! I mean....kmon...Oscars are like the trade mark fish of the hobby! 
Nothing else to say but.....Agreed....the imediate beauty is awesome but....so many more aspects.....although the Escondido is my fav. in possesion right nowpiranha45 said:
coloration has nothing to do with my choice; I think africans have greater diversity, diversity which overlaps American cichlids, at least that which is regularly available in the hobby.
Tiliapia are direct equivalents of large CA bruisers. Mbuna are great either in a tank of their own, or as excellent dithers for larger fish--there is NOTHING out there that has the varied fishkeeping uses of mbuna. Malawi haps are excellent, active, beautiful streamlined predators, it is very fun to watch them wipe out schools of small fish, and their beauty is impeccable. Tanganyikans are mre placid, sedate,predators, and they have much different morphology. Jewel cichlids--, all the various species-- are of a separate morphology and behavior type as well.
The american herbivorous species hold no appeal to me; i like predators, or at least aggressive little multi-purpose thugs (mbuna). The only thing American cichlids have to offer me are the tilapia-equivalents, pike cichlids, and the mighty peacock basses.
This isn't to say i don't like American cichlids, but if I had to choose a favorite, I would DEFINTELY go with africans.
Tiliapia are direct equivalents of large CA bruisers. Mbuna are great either in a tank of their own, or as excellent dithers for larger fish--there is NOTHING out there that has the varied fishkeeping uses of mbuna. Malawi haps are excellent, active, beautiful streamlined predators, it is very fun to watch them wipe out schools of small fish, and their beauty is impeccable. Tanganyikans are mre placid, sedate,predators, and they have much different morphology. Jewel cichlids--, all the various species-- are of a separate morphology and behavior type as well.
The american herbivorous species hold no appeal to me; i like predators, or at least aggressive little multi-purpose thugs (mbuna). The only thing American cichlids have to offer me are the tilapia-equivalents, pike cichlids, and the mighty peacock basses.
This isn't to say i don't like American cichlids, but if I had to choose a favorite, I would DEFINTELY go with africans.
