20 Stunning Cichlids To Add A Splash Of Color To Your Aquarium

1. Jack Dempsey

Scientific name: Rocio octofasciata

Jack Dempsey is the rockstar of aquariums. These fin-tastic fellas are the living art with bold colors and charismatic vibes. They are found in electric blues and fiery reds, creating a picture-perfect underwater scene that screams "aquarium goals." What sets them apart is their personality. These bad boys flaunt spunky attitudes, making your tank the talk of the aquatic town.

They are also the social butterflies as they thrive on group tank but aren't afraid to show some territorial swagger. Jack Dempsey is a tiny aquatic celebrity in your living room, stealing the spotlight with every fin flutter.

They're the trendsetters of the fish world, turning your aquarium into a chic hangout for the coolest underwater crew.

2. Electric Blue Hap

Scientific name: Sciaenochromis fryeri

Get ready for the aquatic glow-up with Electric Blue Haps, the ultimate flex for your aquarium game. These finned fashionistas bring the vibes with their mesmerizing, electric blue hues that scream modern elegance. They are the living sapphires in your tank, making every water ripple a masterpiece.

These Haps aren't just pretty faces; they've got the charisma to steal the spotlight. Their graceful movements and sleek bodies turn your aquarium into a high-end aquatic runway. They effortlessly flaunt their aquatic allure. They thrive on community tanks creating a harmonious underwater clique. Choosing Electric Blue Haps isn't just a fish decision, it's a lifestyle upgrade.

3. Green Terror

Scientific name: Andinoacara rivulatus

The Green Terror cichlids are the edgy heartthrob of the aquarium scene. As you can guess from their name, they're bringing drama to the tank. By drama, we mean jaw-dropping beauty. These bad boys boast vibrant green and blue hues that'll make your aquarium the hottest spot in town.

But the Green Terror isn't just about looks, they've also got unique personalities.These bold and confident swimmers rule the aquatic runway with flair. Moreover, their breeding rituals is full of suspense and excitement. So, if you're ready to make a statement with your tank, the Green Terror is the aquatic icon you've been waiting for.

4. Flowerhorn Cichlid

The Flowerhorn Cichlid, often hailed as the "king of aquarium fish," is a captivating and controversial hybrid cichlid that has gained immense popularity in the aquarium world. Known for its distinctive appearance, the Flowerhorn is a result of carefully selected crossbreeding between various South American cichlids.

They have a pronounced nuchal hump, resembling a "kok," which is considered a symbol of good luck in some cultures. Flowerhorns exhibit vibrant hues ranging from fiery reds to electric blues and can display unique markings such as flower-like patterns on their bodies.

Despite their beauty, Flowerhorns can be territorial and are best kept individually or with carefully selected tankmates.

5. Blue Acara

Scientific name: Andinoacara pulcher

Blue Acara Cichlids are straight-up aquatic eye candy, making your tank cool with their mesmerizing electric blue hues and metallic glints. They are like living pieces of art swimming around, turning your aquarium into a trendy underwater gallery.

These underrated gems of the aquarium world are not the mainstream celebs like some other fish, but that's what makes them unique. Not everyone knows about them, but the ones who do, swear by their awesomeness. So, if you're into low-key elegance with a splash of trendy blues, the Blue Acara is your aquatic soulmate.

6. Oscar

Scientific name: Astronotus ocellatus

Oscar cichlids are the finned A-listers that bring serious beauty with their bold colors and dynamic personalities. Oscars got their title from resembling Oscar statuettes, bringing some red carpet glamour to your aquarium. It's not about the Oscars you watch on TV, but they do steal the show in the aquarium world. They are named after a Brazilian butterfly.

Personality-wise, Oscars are the aquatic influencers, interactive and full of charisma. They're the social butterflies of the tank, always stealing the spotlight with their quirky behaviors. 

7. Firemouth Cichlid

Scientific name: Thorichthys meeki

The Firemouth Cichlid is a popular type of cichlid for your aquarium. It is native to Central America, specifically the rivers of Mexico and Belize. As the name suggests, the Firemouth Cichlid is characterized by its fiery colors, featuring vibrant reds and oranges on its throat and belly. The rest of its body is typically adorned with contrasting patterns, creating a visually stunning display.

They notably have a calm demeanor compared to some other cichlid species. However, during breeding or territorial disputes, they can become more assertive. These living flames add a passion and vibrancy to your underwater world.

8. Afra Cichlid

The term "Afra Cichlid" is quite broad and doesn't refer to a specific species but is often used as a general name for cichlids from the genus "Cynotilapia" native to Lake Malawi in East Africa.

Their beauty lies in a symphony of colors – electric blues, striking yellows, and contrasting blacks – creating a living canvas within your tank. Characterized by intricate patterns and elegant fin displays, these cichlids bring an undeniable allure. Beyond their visual splendor, Afra Cichlids are known for their lively and engaging behaviors, adding an extra layer of fascination to any aquatic setup.

9. Auratus

Scientific name: Melanochromis auratus

The Auratus Cichlid is a freshwater fish originating from Lake Malawi in East Africa. The males typically display striking electric blue and yellow hues, while the females tend to have more subdued colors.

Auratus Cichlids are relatively small, reaching about 4 to 5 inches in length. They are known for their territorial and sometimes aggressive behavior, especially during breeding periods. They add a visually striking and dynamic to aquariums but their compatibility with other fish in a community tank should be carefully considered.

10. Red Empress

Scientific name: Protomelas taeniolatus

The Red Empress is a stunning cichlid species native to Lake Malawi in East Africa, and it's a royalty in the aquarium world. Renowned for its regal appearance, the Red Empress showcases a breathtaking combination of vibrant reds, blues, and iridescent hues. Males, in particular, display striking colors with long fin extensions, adding to their majestic allure.

Beyond their aesthetic charm, Red Empress cichlids have a relatively peaceful temperament compared to some other cichlid species. This makes them a sought-after choice for community aquariums. However, like many cichlids, they can become more territorial during breeding periods.

11. Giraffe Cichlid

Scientific name: Nimbochromis venustus

True to its name, the Giraffe Cichlid exhibits a distinctive and enchanting pattern reminiscent of a giraffe's spots, featuring a golden-yellow body adorned with dark, irregular spots. These cichlids can grow quite large, reaching up to 10 inches or more, so a spacious aquarium is often recommended.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the Giraffe Cichlid adds a touch of the wild to aquariums, showcasing the wonders of African freshwater ecosystems. Their engaging behavior and eye-catching patterns make them a popular choice for those looking to create a captivating and harmonious underwater environment.

12. African Butterfly Peacock

Scientific name: Aulonocara jacobfreibergi

The African Butterfly Peacock is a dazzling gem in the aquarium realm. Renowned for its breathtaking beauty, this cichlid species boasts vibrant and iridescent colors reminiscent of a butterfly's wings. Males, in particular, display a stunning palette of blues, oranges, and yellows, creating a living aquatic masterpiece.

Their peaceful nature, combined with their striking appearance, makes them a favorite among aquarium enthusiasts. These cichlids thrive in well-decorated aquariums with plenty of hiding spots. African Butterfly Peacocks provide a touch of aquatic artistry to any aquarium.

13. Angelfish

Scientific name: Pterophyllum spp.

Angelfish cichlids are iconic and graceful freshwater fish, beloved in the aquarium hobby for their elegant appearance. Native to the Amazon River basin, these cichlids are recognized for their triangular bodies, elongated fins, and distinctive scalpel-like shape.

From classic silver and black to marbled, veil, or even exotic shades, Angelfish bring a touch of sophistication to any tank. Their serene movements and trailing fins create a mesmerizing underwater ballet. Despite their sophisticated looks, Angelfish are generally peaceful, making them suitable for community aquariums.

14. Severum Cichlid

Scientific name: Heros severus

Severum Cichlids are the chill ambiance your aquarium's been craving. These laid-back beauties rock a color palette from warm golds to fiery reds just like a sunset-in-a-tank. Their low-key attitude makes them squad-friendly, blending seamlessly with other aquatic homies.

They're the influencers of the underwater chill scene, adding tranquility and a touch of elegance to your tank. With their easy-going personalities and aesthetics, Severum Cichlids are the must-have trendsetters for any aquascape. 

15. Heckel Discus

Scientific name: Symphysodon discus (Heckel variety)

The Heckel Discus is a revered and majestic cichlid species that hails from the Amazon Basin. Known as the "original discus," Heckel Discus is highly prized in the aquarium world for its exquisite beauty and unique characteristics. These discus cichlids boast a distinct pattern of wavy lines, vibrant colors, and a circular shape.

The coloration of Heckel Discus can vary, featuring a spectrum of rich hues such as deep reds, browns, and iridescent blues. Their unique vertical stripes further enhance their elegance.

Heckel Discus can be challenging to keep due to their sensitivity to water conditions. However, experienced hobbyists often find the effort rewarding, as successfully maintaining these cichlids results in a breathtaking display of aquatic beauty.

16. Blood Parrot

The Blood Parrot Cichlid is a distinctive and controversial hybrid fish in the aquarium hobby. Created through selective breeding, it's often a cross between different cichlid species, including Midas Cichlids and redhead cichlids.

Known for its unique appearance, the Blood Parrot has a round body, beak-like mouth, and bright, vibrant colors.

These cichlids come in various shades, including red, orange, and sometimes yellow. The breeding practices involved in creating the Blood Parrot are controversial, with some concerns about the fish's well-being due to its unique anatomy, especially the beak-shaped mouth.

17. Yellow Tail Acei

Scientific name: Pseudotropheus sp.

The Yellow Tail Acei is a cichlid species native to Lake Malawi in East Africa. This freshwater fish is cherished in the aquarium hobby for its vibrant colors and distinctive features.

The Yellow Tail Acei typically displays a sleek body with hues ranging from shades of blue to yellow, and as the name suggests, it is particularly recognized for its striking yellow tail.

Known for its relatively peaceful nature compared to some other cichlid species, the Yellow Tail Acei is often chosen for community aquariums.

18. Geophagus Sveni

Scientific name: Geophagus sveni

Geophagus sveni is a Geophagini cichlid native to the Tocantins River drainage in Brazil. These South American cichlids has a proclivity for sifting through the substrate in search of food, a behavior that gives rise to their name, as "Geophagus" translates to "earth eater."

They display a range of colors, including earthy tones like browns, grays, and greens, as well as more vibrant hues in certain species. They typically have bright red or blue stripes along with their long, filamentous fin extensions.

19. Gold Severum

Scientific name: Heros severus (Gold variety)

Gold Severum is an aquarium cichlid native to South America, particularly the Amazon River basin. They possess stunning gold or yellow coloration and distinctive oval-shaped bodies. This vibrant color intensifies as they mature.

Severums have a laterally compressed and disk-shaped body, giving them a distinctive appearance. This shape is typical of cichlids adapted to slow-moving waters. These peaceful fishes can grow to a substantial size, reaching up to 8 to 10 inches in captivity. They appreciate a spacious tank with hiding places.

20. Yellow Labs

Scientific name: Labidochromis caeruleus

Yellow labs cichlid is a popular and attractive freshwater fish species in the aquarium hobby. These cichlids originate from Lake Malawi in East Africa and are appreciated for their vibrant yellow coloration and interesting behaviors.

The most prominent characteristic is their bright yellow color, which can range from pale yellow to deep golden hues. Males often exhibit more intense coloration, while females may be slightly lighter. They appreciate a well-decorated setup with plenty of rocks and hiding spots simulating their natural rocky habitat in Lake Malawi.