One of my friends who has never kept fish previously, has recently developed an interest in cichlids and now wants to keep one. He is considering getting either a Bolivian Ram or a Rainbow cichlid. Of these two species, which one would seasoned cichlid keepers here recommend to an absolute novice? Additionally, would either species be able to co-exist peacefully with smaller anabatids such as bettas and honey gouramis? Thanks in advance.
Which would be a better starter cichlid?
- Thread starter brown_snake
- Start date
Either are very easy to keep with good food and water changes. Bolivians stay smaller than rainbows which helps if you don't have a large tank.
Not a problem mate. Also I have kept a pair of Bolivians with a few different types of tetras, bristlnoses, blue rams, loaches, corydoras and angels in a 3 foot tank and never had any issues with them. Probably wouldn't risk them with long finned betas but imagine they would do fine with gouramis. Beautiful and peaceful little cichlids.
Rainbows are great fish as well. They are relatively peaceful, easy to breed, and don't get huge. I don' think you can go wrong with either species.
Love my Bolivian rams. They are cute little characters. Mine are in a community tank and do very well with angels, cardinals, Rummynose, Dennison barbs and severum.
Haven't kept rainbow cichlids yet but would love to try them someday. Lovely fish.
Haven't kept rainbow cichlids yet but would love to try them someday. Lovely fish.
For a total newbie I would recommend rainbow cichlid before ram. My experience has been that rainbows are just a bit tougher on the survival scale
+1
Pretty sure Ranbows are a good bit hardier than Rams.....I'd go with the Rainbow, I like having fish that don't DIE if you look at them the wrong way