Having a fish tank in your home or office can add a great deal of beauty and elegance and even enrich our lives. Fresh and salt water tanks are generally the two options available. The fresh water option is much easier to maintain however, the selection of fish and coral is much more limited than the salt water option. But, the fresh water option does offer the diversity of color, shapes and sizes in using Cichlids to populate your tank.

The South American Cichlids make up between 300 to 500 known species with 300 of them being scientifically described. These Cichlids can be a very adaptable species allowing them to exist in a wide array of environments and ecologies. And when it comes to the the South American Cichlids you will find that a great number of them are known to be carnivores. But, there are plenty to choose from who feed primarily on planktons and other plant materials. You can find Cichlids ranging from 2 centimeters to the larger ones that can become as large as 60 centimeters.

When it comes to their sensitive nature, in order to properly maintain Cichlids, you will need to know some important facts: The proper filters needed, cycling the aquarium, what size aquariums to allow them their freedom of movement, the proper water temperature, water testing, what kind of rock and wood to use and how to prepare them and how often to feed them.

Due to their sensitive nature, in order to properly maintain Cichlids, you will need to know what size tanks you should have to allow them the freedom they need, the filters to use, knowing how to properly cycle the aquarium, the precise water temperature, changing the water method, how to properly test the water, the best type of rocks, coral and wood to use and how to prepare them, the best way to have life plants, frequency in feeding them and how to chose the right species.

In reference to the South American species, they make up between 250 to 450 known Cichlids and 310 of them are scientifically described. Opposed to the other species, the South American Cichlids can be very adaptable allowing them to exist in a wide array of environments and ecologies. You will find that a great number of them are known to be carnivores. But, there are plenty to choose from who feed primarily plant materials. You can find Cichlids ranging from 2.1 centimeters to the larger ones that can become as large as 58 centimeters.

In reference to African Cichlids, they are known for their beautiful patterns and array of colors that are not typical of other freshwater fish. They are simply fascinating to observe and will amaze you with their very friendly social behavior and the degree of intelligence they possess.

In reference to the Jack Dempsey species, it's very interesting in how they choose their mates based on a process of chasing one another around the tank and lip locking. This is primarily a test they perform to determine strength and durability in selecting their potential mate. In your tank, it's a good idea to have pairs of equal size because the males tend to be larger and more aggressive and can therefore do some serious damage to a female that is much smaller.

In summary, if you have chosen to go for the fresh water fish tank then, going with Cichlids fish is your optimum choice. They offer the greater variety of color, shapes and sizes and you will be quick to show them off. So, unleash your creativity and let your fish tank provide years of enjoyment for your home or office.

Whether you're a long standing Cichlid's enthusiasts or just beginning your first fish tank, you will find out great deal from a zealous authority in maintaining and breeding cichlids fish that you will be proud to show everyone.