Someone should really make a "known" website for cichlids for "community"
cichlids.

When I first started in freshwater, I was told by a lfs barbs couldn't be in
anything but with other barbs. I've "grown up" since then, thanks to the
internet, but the ever feared cichlids have finally pronouced their way into
our community. Absolutely any lfs within 20 miles of us will say there is no
cichlid that can go into a community tank.

Defying the lfs's we introduced kribs, which supposively was "bad". They
went like peas and carrots with the tetras, loaches, barbs, sharks,
everything.

Stepping further, got a parrot fish (carefully selecting one from an lfs
that was young dull grey / black ones, to know they weren't dyed). Don't
care they're "manufactured", our Parrot is our best buddy, follows us around
the tank, hangs next to our hand when we vacuum, etc. Still no probs in the
tank, he didnt bug anyone, no one bugs him.

Introduced a paired Arie(sp?) cichilds (blue with yellow fins), again, no
problems, they school with the panda cories.

There's so many colorful and characteristic cichlids out there, but there's
also "bad boys" that would clean out a community tank.

Seems the rule is "Rock/cave dwelling" cichlids are NOT community fish, open
lake cichlids are more passive and adaptive.

What I would love is if you guys could post the names of cichlids that you
know are normally passive cichlids, stay within 3-5", don't require special
water conditions, known to be exceptionally agressive, etc. Can compare to
Kribs.

I'll try to make a community listing published online from these results, so
please, anyone that has anything to input, please do.

Thanks.