I think the other posts have summed it up for the most part. I love predatory fish, particularly those that gulp down their prey in one swift gulp. And when it comes to this type of predator, the cichlas just do it best. They are so incredibly quick. I've had mine rip a shrimp right out of my hand before I realized I was even holding it in the water. Add to this the fact they are colorful, come in many variants, and they are typically quite peaceful for a cichlid their size, and I think you have the total package. Plus they get large. I'm looking forward to having a 10' long tank in my living room with a handful of 20"+ pbass cruising around in it.