View Full Version : Anyone else find africans boreing compared to Central/SA Cichlids?
After keeping cichlids for years Im really starting to find the africans boreing. Sure there are some pretty ones but in general the american cichlids just seem to be more intelligent or maybe its that they have more personality. Not sure exactly what it is but I do find them much more interesting than africans. Anyone else?
Nolapete
09-25-2007, 7:03 PM
Always have. Africans, except maybe fish like fronts, don't seem to have the "personality" as you say. Africans are for the most part like keeping tetras in that regard. CA/SA tend to recognize their owners more readily as well. Not just association to food with people, but distinct recognition of individuals.
Always have. Africans, except maybe fish like fronts, don't seem to have the "personality" as you say. Africans are for the most part like keeping tetras in that regard. CA/SA tend to recognize their owners more readily as well. Not just association to food with people, but distinct recognition of individuals.
Thats exactly what I was wondering, Ive sort of had the same experience, was wondering if others had as well, thanx!
jessicar613
09-25-2007, 7:23 PM
I feel the same way- I love Central/South American cichlids, but Malawi's in particular, I'm just not interested in.
Star_Rider
09-25-2007, 9:00 PM
I now only keep SA FW fish.. the angels and discus always greet me as I enter the room..except for the wilds...wel there is one that has imprinted with the discus..weird lil bugger i think it thinks its a discus.
:eek3:
Ruben Tolon
09-25-2007, 10:30 PM
I prefer the CA/SA as well, especially when compared to mbuna.
Slappy*McFish
09-25-2007, 10:59 PM
One plus for Africans is that they seem much more active. My CA cichlids seem to enjoy loafing around and doing absolutely nothing except when they're feeling hungry.
Lupin
09-26-2007, 12:50 AM
Always have. Africans, except maybe fish like fronts, don't seem to have the "personality" as you say. Africans are for the most part like keeping tetras in that regard. CA/SA tend to recognize their owners more readily as well. Not just association to food with people, but distinct recognition of individuals.
:grinyes:
MySpace Mike
09-26-2007, 2:05 AM
I had an african tank years ago, ill admit they were rather boring to watch. Now all I have are Central American Cichlids, everytime i walk by the tank they come to see what it is im doing. I like how they recognize me, and if someone is with me they'll hide until the person leaves, but come out anytime im around.
I now only keep SA FW fish.. the angels and discus always greet me as I enter the room..
My africans do this!!!!
One plus for Africans is that they seem much more active. My CA cichlids seem to enjoy loafing around and doing absolutely nothing except when they're feeling hungry.
I agree with this, CA just sit and stare IMO, not very exciting to watch
never kept SA/CA.
I find my malawis/tangs will react when I go in the room though...not sure they 'recognise' me mind you, but if two people approach the tank they are more shy and will hide more than if one only does during the day. At night when the tank lights are on and its dark outside the tank they are fearless.
tankboy_taylor
09-26-2007, 7:25 AM
My gold sev will start heading for the top of the tank if I wave his bag o pellets even if im clear across the room its pretty remarkable.
Broham
09-26-2007, 9:49 AM
I agree with this, CA just sit and stare IMO, not very exciting to watch
I totally agree. CA cichlids bore me not the other way around. Also the fact that when that oscar or others grow to 12 inches and up unless you have a 2-300 gallon tank youll be seeing very few fish whereas the africans its a large school of fun. My africans do have a "personality" and I do get "greeted " when i come up to the tank or enter the room.
jackel
09-26-2007, 1:46 PM
got to say i went from having africans for years, to sa/ca cichlids and never looked back. i will say the africans do have personallity, i find the new world cichlids just show it more. these guys become much more like a pet, i have even taught some to do simple tricks. while all cichlids are cool, right now im gunna stick with my sa/ca cichlids.
the fox
09-27-2007, 10:17 AM
im also for SA and CA
I wouldn't say boring, but Africans usually don't have the personality that CA/SA cichlids have. The Mbuna species of African cichlids have a little more going for them than the open water African cichlids do as far as personality goes, but then the open water African cichlids have amazing colors, like the peacock species. What I have found over the years keeping both types of cichlids, is that the African cichlids do not foul the water near as much or as quickly as the SA/CA cichlids do and this is partly due to the SA/CA cichlids have more girth and overall size to them.