American Cichlids

Discover our range of American Cichlids, including South American, Central American and other New World Cichlid species suited to a variety of freshwater aquariums.

American Cichlids are known for their intelligence, personality, colour and interesting behaviour. The group includes everything from relatively peaceful community species through to larger, territorial fish that require spacious aquariums and carefully selected tank mates.

At Aquaholics Online, our range may include Oscars, Geophagus, Convict Cichlids, Jack Dempseys, Salvini, Red Devils, Festivum and other popular American Cichlids depending on availability.

South American & Central American Cichlids

American Cichlids come from a wide range of freshwater habitats throughout Central and South America.

South American species can include Oscars, Geophagus and Festivum, while Central American Cichlids include species such as Convicts, Salvini and Jack Dempseys.

Because their natural habitats and behaviour vary considerably, it is important to choose fish based on their individual requirements rather than treating all American Cichlids the same.

Choosing American Cichlids for Your Aquarium

Before adding an American Cichlid to your aquarium, consider:

• Adult size
• Minimum tank size
• Temperament
• Territorial behaviour
• Water temperature
• pH requirements
• Diet
• Compatibility with other fish
• Filtration requirements

• Hardscape and hiding places

Some American Cichlids can be suitable for mixed community-style setups, while others are best kept as feature fish or with carefully selected tank mates.

Aquarium Size

Tank size is particularly important with American Cichlids because many species grow significantly larger than they appear when sold as juveniles.

Smaller species may be suitable for medium-sized aquariums, while Oscars, large Geophagus, Peacock Bass and other large Cichlids can require substantially more space.

Always plan around the fish's expected adult size.

Providing adequate swimming space can also help reduce territorial aggression and improve long-term health.

Temperament & Tank Mates

Temperament varies dramatically between American Cichlid species.

Some species are relatively peaceful, while others can become highly territorial, particularly as they mature or begin breeding.

When choosing tank mates, consider:

• Similar adult size
• Swimming behaviour
• Territory requirements
• Aggression level
• Water parameter compatibility

Avoid combining small peaceful fish with large predatory Cichlids.

Even normally compatible fish may become aggressive during breeding, so aquariums should provide adequate space and visual barriers.

Feeding American Cichlids

American Cichlids generally benefit from a varied, high-quality diet appropriate to the individual species.

Depending on the fish, suitable foods may include:

• Quality Cichlid pellets
• Sinking or floating pellets
• Frozen foods
• Insect-based foods
• Vegetable matter
• Spirulina-based foods

Larger predatory species may require higher-protein diets, while some species benefit from greater vegetable content.

Avoid relying on a single food type where possible.

Aquarium Setup

A well-planned aquarium can help American Cichlids feel secure while reducing aggression.

Useful features can include:

• Rocks
• Driftwood
• Caves
• Open swimming areas
• Strong filtration
• Suitable aquarium substrate

Hardscape can be used to create separate territories and break lines of sight between fish.

Some large Cichlids also dig or rearrange substrate, so aquarium decorations should be securely positioned.

Filtration & Water Quality

American Cichlids can place a significant biological load on an aquarium, especially larger species such as Oscars.

Strong aquarium filtration and regular water changes are important for maintaining stable water quality.

Choose a filter suitable for the aquarium volume and the expected adult size and number of fish.

Good mechanical and biological filtration can help control waste while supporting a stable aquarium environment.

American Cichlids & Live Plants

Some American Cichlids can be kept successfully in planted aquariums, while others may uproot, damage or eat plants.

Smaller or more peaceful species may coexist well with hardy aquarium plants.

For larger or more destructive Cichlids, consider durable plants attached to rocks or driftwood, or design the aquarium primarily around hardscape.

Popular American Cichlids

Oscars

Oscars are large, intelligent Cichlids known for their personality and interaction with their owners.

They require spacious aquariums, strong filtration and carefully selected tank mates.

Geophagus

Geophagus are often known as earth eaters because of their natural habit of sifting substrate while feeding.

Many species benefit from soft sandy substrate that allows this natural behaviour.

Convict Cichlids

Convicts are hardy, active Cichlids known for their distinctive black vertical bands.

They can become highly territorial when breeding.

Jack Dempsey Cichlids

Jack Dempseys are attractive Central American Cichlids with iridescent colouration and strong personalities.

They require suitable tank space and compatible tank mates.

Salvini Cichlids

Salvini are colourful Central American Cichlids that can become territorial as they mature.

Adequate space and careful stocking are important.

Buy American Cichlids Online in Australia

Aquaholics Online stocks a changing range of American Cichlids for freshwater aquarium enthusiasts across Australia.

Because our livestock range changes regularly, individual species, sizes and colour varieties may not always be available.

Browse the current range above to see which American Cichlids are currently available.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are American Cichlids?

American Cichlids are freshwater Cichlids native to Central, South and parts of North America. The group includes many popular aquarium fish such as Oscars, Geophagus, Convicts, Jack Dempseys and Salvini.

Are American Cichlids aggressive?

Some are peaceful or moderately territorial, while others can be highly aggressive. Temperament varies considerably by species, age, aquarium size and breeding behaviour.

What size aquarium do American Cichlids need?

Tank size depends on the species. Smaller Cichlids may suit medium-sized aquariums, while larger fish such as Oscars and Peacock Bass require much more space.

Can American Cichlids live together?

Some species can be kept together successfully when aquarium size, temperament and water requirements are compatible. More aggressive species require careful stocking and sufficient territory.

What do American Cichlids eat?

Most American Cichlids benefit from quality pellets supplemented with appropriate frozen, vegetable or protein-based foods depending on the individual species.

Do American Cichlids need strong filtration?

Generally yes. Many American Cichlids are large-bodied fish that produce significant waste, making reliable mechanical and biological filtration important.

Can American Cichlids live with aquarium plants?

Some can. Smaller and more peaceful species are often easier to maintain in planted aquariums, while larger Cichlids may dig up or damage plants.

Do you ship American Cichlids Australia-wide?

Aquaholics Online ships live fish to eligible locations throughout Australia, subject to livestock availability, regional restrictions and biosecurity requirements.