What makes Cichlids so popular

[Adam]

I appreciate and love how everyone has their own tastes and opinions
when it comes to fish (and everything else for that matter). That
doesn't mean that I won't want to pick someone's brain when I am
curious about thier passions. I was reading about the upcoming ACA
convension in TFH and wondered why people love cichlids so much. For
that matter, why do any of you love the fish you do. I should preface
this by saying that I love discus and angels and a few other types, but
as for africans, I could take 'em or leave 'em. They just look like
'fish' to me. I know that may sound silly, but I am drawn to more
exotic fish I suppose. Perhaps it is because I have never owned any...

Personally, I like cat fish and small schooling fish. I also like
inverts. I don't know why. If I had a bigger tank, I would probably get
discus (for soem reason, I don't think of discus when I hear cichlid).
I bet some of you are rolling your eyes as I do when someone starts
professing their love for XX or YY. In the process of writing this, I
am now thinking I should go get some africans or something to see what
all the buzz is about.

So what do you like and **why**

[swarvegorilla]

Well I started with electric blues from malawi then moved onto Australian
natives freshwater, then onto dwarf cichlids, from there to community
tetra's, rasboras and bettas, my catfish phase started and as they grew I
began to aquire south and central american tankbusters. Now I keep
cephlapods when I can as displays and Africans when I can't;
triops/mollies/electric yellows as a cash crop as well as a few
plants/snails I grow in my pond; most catfish serve a purpose b/n and L168's
for algae and tandanus tandanus and corys for clean up.
I work with fish all day and find that I only really keep my delicate or too
cool fish at home.
Sorta perk of the job to be able to set your favourite fish up in display
tanks.
heh heh
atm I am finishing a sal****er stingray and perch tank.
Have cresent perch and moses perch so far as well as a good sized flounder
and a few species of rock cod.
I think the challenge for me is to get a new environment setup and working
well.
The sorta thumbs up is when I have happy fish at the end.
But it can be a slash and burn method of keeping fish....... few fish
remain as favourites and it's hard not to feel like you have moved on too
quickly.
Fish that have been standout pets for me and that I reccomend anyone try.
Hoplo catfish, Borneo sucker, white knight (melanistic electric blue),
dalmation mollies, panda oranda's, riffle shrimp, orange cromide, scats,
clownfish, paradise fish, Nimbochromis polystigma, fossichromis rostratus,
bolivian butterflys, texas, oscars, moray eels, mangrove jacks, target fish,
chocolate cichlid, dovii, wrasse, octopus, blennys, gobys, altum angels,
cardinals, trets, brislenose, corys, rainbows, toadfish, sole.....
You can keep fish until you die and never run out of goodness!!!!!!
Besides it beats getting shot at for a living.
:-)




"Adam" > wrote in message
...
>I appreciate and love how everyone has their own tastes and opinions
> when it comes to fish (and everything else for that matter). That
> doesn't mean that I won't want to pick someone's brain when I am
> curious about thier passions. I was reading about the upcoming ACA
> convension in TFH and wondered why people love cichlids so much. For
> that matter, why do any of you love the fish you do. I should preface
> this by saying that I love discus and angels and a few other types, but
> as for africans, I could take 'em or leave 'em. They just look like
> 'fish' to me. I know that may sound silly, but I am drawn to more
> exotic fish I suppose. Perhaps it is because I have never owned any...
>
> Personally, I like cat fish and small schooling fish. I also like
> inverts. I don't know why. If I had a bigger tank, I would probably get
> discus (for soem reason, I don't think of discus when I hear cichlid).
> I bet some of you are rolling your eyes as I do when someone starts
> professing their love for XX or YY. In the process of writing this, I
> am now thinking I should go get some africans or something to see what
> all the buzz is about.
>
> So what do you like and **why**
>

[Koi-Lo]

*Note: There are two "Koi-Lo's" on the pond and aquaria groups.

"Adam" > wrote in message
...
>I appreciate and love how everyone has their own tastes and opinions
> when it comes to fish (and everything else for that matter). That
> doesn't mean that I won't want to pick someone's brain when I am
> curious about thier passions. I was reading about the upcoming ACA
> convension in TFH and wondered why people love cichlids so much. For
> that matter, why do any of you love the fish you do.

How can anyone answer that question? :-) We just do. The African cichlids
are my favorites although I don't keep them anymore due to their aggression.

I should preface
> this by saying that I love discus and angels and a few other types, but
> as for africans, I could take 'em or leave 'em. They just look like
> 'fish' to me. I know that may sound silly, but I am drawn to more
> exotic fish I suppose. Perhaps it is because I have never owned any...

The colors on many of the African rift lake cichlids easily rival the
Discus. The most colorful tank of fish I ever owned were cichlids. The SA
cichlids are less colorful in my opinion and get larger.

> Personally, I like cat fish and small schooling fish. I also like
> inverts. I don't know why. If I had a bigger tank, I would probably get
> discus (for soem reason, I don't think of discus when I hear cichlid).
> I bet some of you are rolling your eyes as I do when someone starts
> professing their love for XX or YY. In the process of writing this, I
> am now thinking I should go get some africans or something to see what
> all the buzz is about.
>
> So what do you like and **why**

Right now all I have are colorful fancy goldfish, mainly calicos and a
tankful of mixed but very colorful platys.
--
Koi-Lo....
Aquariums since 1952.
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://tinyurl.com/9do58
Rude or obscene messages posted by my impersonator.
~~~~ }<((((*> ~~~ }<{{{{(ö> ~~~~ }<((((({*>

[Dick]

On Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:09:32 GMT, "Adam"
> wrote:

>I appreciate and love how everyone has their own tastes and opinions
>when it comes to fish (and everything else for that matter). That
>doesn't mean that I won't want to pick someone's brain when I am
>curious about thier passions. I was reading about the upcoming ACA
>convension in TFH and wondered why people love cichlids so much. For
>that matter, why do any of you love the fish you do. I should preface
>this by saying that I love discus and angels and a few other types, but
>as for africans, I could take 'em or leave 'em. They just look like
>'fish' to me. I know that may sound silly, but I am drawn to more
>exotic fish I suppose. Perhaps it is because I have never owned any...
>
>Personally, I like cat fish and small schooling fish. I also like
>inverts. I don't know why. If I had a bigger tank, I would probably get
>discus (for soem reason, I don't think of discus when I hear cichlid).
>I bet some of you are rolling your eyes as I do when someone starts
>professing their love for XX or YY. In the process of writing this, I
>am now thinking I should go get some africans or something to see what
>all the buzz is about.
>
>So what do you like and **why**
>

There are many wonderful fish to choose from. Since I wanted trouble
free tanks, I stayed away from Cichlids, except angelfish, couldn't
resist. They are so graceful.

Plecos, Siamese Algae Eaters and Red Serpaes are some of my favorites,
well, after Clown Loaches. Still, the final judge is good, old
Darwinism, those that survive are the final choice. Oh, yeh, I like
Platies, Mollies and Swordtails, but can't handle thier progeny. I
still have some, but only when they are celibate.

dick

[Koi-Lo]

What did I tell you, Dick posted to the group within 2 minutes of my
expectations, just like I knew he would.

[dc]

"Adam" > wrote in news:wpTgg.2953$Oh1.908
@news01.roc.ny:

> curious about thier passions. I was reading about the upcoming ACA
> convension in TFH and wondered why people love cichlids so much. For

African cichlids are extremely colourful, readily available, and very
intelligent.

They are popular because the colour of a displaying male can rival that
of some marine fish. You must bear in mind that African cichlids never
look their best in a crowded sale tank at your LFS--that is the biggest
hump for most people when taking on these fish, besides their
aggression. Africans need to be settled and in proper company to see
their real beauty.

There is near infinite variety in species and sub-species to choose
from, all of which come from only two lakes (three if you include the
ecologically devastated Lake Victoria) so it is easy to create a natural
simulated biotope. Wild fish are readily available at reasonable prices
from both these lakes.

Part of the fun of keeping Africans is learning how to identify and sex
the thousands of different species. There is some basic challenge for
the hobbyist in choosing Africans in order to select fish that will not
upset the balance of aggression in your tank.

Besides their beauty and brawn, African cichlids are also very
personable fish. In a well set-up tank there is always something to
watch: nest building, males sparring, territorial displays, brood
rearing.

Africans are intelligent fish, can learn to recognize their keeper, and
will always respond positively to your presence. You'll never see
Africans engaging in the mindless wandering back and forth the tank
typical to livebearers and many other dopey aquarium fish (I know
someone will pipe up here and tell me livebearers are not dopey because
theirs do this and that, but the truth is when compared to most any
cichlid... they really are dopey).

Africans are a very good choice for people with very hard tap water as
their natural environment is also extremely hard.

Africans are ridiculously hardy and stand up well to the worst kind of
neglect one can put them through. A co-worker of mine babies his discus
tank, but hasn't water changed his Tanganyikan tank in months, yet his
fish show no ill effects and still reproduce readily.

These last two points are huge selling points for a lot of people who
don't have the time or resources to keep the more sensitive Amazonian
cichlids.

In short, Africans are tough, colourful, and interesting to watch. Most
cichlids in general can at least in part be described this way, but with
Africans there are an enormous number of different fish to choose from.

[-ED]

"dc" > wrote in message
...
> "Adam" > wrote in news:wpTgg.2953$Oh1.908
> @news01.roc.ny:
>
>> curious about thier passions. I was reading about the upcoming ACA
>> convension in TFH and wondered why people love cichlids so much. For
>
> African cichlids are extremely colourful, readily available, and very
> intelligent.
>
> They are popular because the colour of a displaying male can rival that
> of some marine fish. You must bear in mind that African cichlids never
> look their best in a crowded sale tank at your LFS--that is the biggest
> hump for most people when taking on these fish, besides their
> aggression. Africans need to be settled and in proper company to see
> their real beauty.
>
> There is near infinite variety in species and sub-species to choose
> from, all of which come from only two lakes (three if you include the
> ecologically devastated Lake Victoria) so it is easy to create a natural
> simulated biotope. Wild fish are readily available at reasonable prices
> from both these lakes.
>
> Part of the fun of keeping Africans is learning how to identify and sex
> the thousands of different species. There is some basic challenge for
> the hobbyist in choosing Africans in order to select fish that will not
> upset the balance of aggression in your tank.
>
> Besides their beauty and brawn, African cichlids are also very
> personable fish. In a well set-up tank there is always something to
> watch: nest building, males sparring, territorial displays, brood
> rearing.
>
> Africans are intelligent fish, can learn to recognize their keeper, and
> will always respond positively to your presence. You'll never see
> Africans engaging in the mindless wandering back and forth the tank
> typical to livebearers and many other dopey aquarium fish (I know
> someone will pipe up here and tell me livebearers are not dopey because
> theirs do this and that, but the truth is when compared to most any
> cichlid... they really are dopey).
>
> Africans are a very good choice for people with very hard tap water as
> their natural environment is also extremely hard.
>
> Africans are ridiculously hardy and stand up well to the worst kind of
> neglect one can put them through. A co-worker of mine babies his discus
> tank, but hasn't water changed his Tanganyikan tank in months, yet his
> fish show no ill effects and still reproduce readily.
>
> These last two points are huge selling points for a lot of people who
> don't have the time or resources to keep the more sensitive Amazonian
> cichlids.
>
> In short, Africans are tough, colourful, and interesting to watch. Most
> cichlids in general can at least in part be described this way, but with
> Africans there are an enormous number of different fish to choose from.
>
>
A very nice post, indeed. Authorative and concise. This puts the Oscar
Award in a whole new light !

[Roy]

"~Roy" aka Koi-Lo > wrote in message
...
>
>
> Its b****ing asholes like you that keep the noise level going. Your
> the first ****ing moron to snap today......you poor pityful
> looser......

"Koi-Lo" aka Roy > wrote in message
...
> What did I tell you, Dick posted to the group within 2 minutes of my
> expectations, just like I knew he would.
>
>

[swarvegorilla]

"-ED" > wrote in message
...
>
> "dc" > wrote in message
> ...
>> "Adam" > wrote in news:wpTgg.2953$Oh1.908
>> @news01.roc.ny:
>>
>>> curious about thier passions. I was reading about the upcoming ACA
>>> convension in TFH and wondered why people love cichlids so much. For
>>
>> African cichlids are extremely colourful, readily available, and very
>> intelligent.
>>
>> They are popular because the colour of a displaying male can rival that
>> of some marine fish. You must bear in mind that African cichlids never
>> look their best in a crowded sale tank at your LFS--that is the biggest
>> hump for most people when taking on these fish, besides their
>> aggression. Africans need to be settled and in proper company to see
>> their real beauty.
>>
>> There is near infinite variety in species and sub-species to choose
>> from, all of which come from only two lakes (three if you include the
>> ecologically devastated Lake Victoria) so it is easy to create a natural
>> simulated biotope. Wild fish are readily available at reasonable prices
>> from both these lakes.
>>
>> Part of the fun of keeping Africans is learning how to identify and sex
>> the thousands of different species. There is some basic challenge for
>> the hobbyist in choosing Africans in order to select fish that will not
>> upset the balance of aggression in your tank.
>>
>> Besides their beauty and brawn, African cichlids are also very
>> personable fish. In a well set-up tank there is always something to
>> watch: nest building, males sparring, territorial displays, brood
>> rearing.
>>
>> Africans are intelligent fish, can learn to recognize their keeper, and
>> will always respond positively to your presence. You'll never see
>> Africans engaging in the mindless wandering back and forth the tank
>> typical to livebearers and many other dopey aquarium fish (I know
>> someone will pipe up here and tell me livebearers are not dopey because
>> theirs do this and that, but the truth is when compared to most any
>> cichlid... they really are dopey).
>>
>> Africans are a very good choice for people with very hard tap water as
>> their natural environment is also extremely hard.
>>
>> Africans are ridiculously hardy and stand up well to the worst kind of
>> neglect one can put them through. A co-worker of mine babies his discus
>> tank, but hasn't water changed his Tanganyikan tank in months, yet his
>> fish show no ill effects and still reproduce readily.
>>
>> These last two points are huge selling points for a lot of people who
>> don't have the time or resources to keep the more sensitive Amazonian
>> cichlids.
>>
>> In short, Africans are tough, colourful, and interesting to watch. Most
>> cichlids in general can at least in part be described this way, but with
>> Africans there are an enormous number of different fish to choose from.
>>
>>
> A very nice post, indeed. Authorative and concise. This puts the Oscar
> Award in a whole new light !
>

I think my OT ramble should at least get some recognition as it did make
this post look even better by comparison and that my friend takes skill.
Sure it's someone elses skill but still a gold star would be nice!
Cichlids are also stupidly easy to breed if you set them up ok and have a
boy and girl.
Yea some are trickier but rarely do you have to inject with hormones like
ovaprim or something.
I have bred perhaps 100 africans although many were merely locality morphs
as opposed to distinct species.
Do kinda have the advantage of being able to cherry pick holding females
though so thats kinda cheating sometimes.
But yea something for everyone, and myself I like the reliability of a good
holding mum.
africans are great and so are the rest of the cichlids.
they are interested in you, I like that!
But yea the reason I recon so many sell is that they are pretty.
thats it really
pretty fish are popular and cichlids are often the easiest pretty fish ya
can get.
Plus they breed themselves so they are common