Exasperatus Mbuna are bold and colorful rock-dwelling cichlids from Lake Malawi, typically displaying bright orange, red, or yellow coloration with dark barring. As typical Mbuna, they are aggressive and highly territorial, especially toward similar-looking fish. They thrive in rock-heavy aquariums with clearly defined territories and should be housed with other assertive African cichlids.

• Temperature: 75–80°F

• pH: 7.8–8.6 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Aggressive, especially with similar species

• Recommended Group Size: One male with 4+ females or in a carefully stocked mixed-Mbuna tank

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

• Max Size: 5 inches

• Diet: Hikari Cichlid Excel, Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, supplemented with spirulina-rich flakes or blanched vegetables (avoid high-protein foods to prevent bloat)

Female Peacock Cichlids are understated but essential members of any peacock group, with a silvery-gray to tan appearance and subtle markings. While they lack the vibrant colors of males, they play a key role in breeding colonies and help maintain social structure. Females are peaceful compared to many other African cichlids and thrive in groups with adequate space and cover.

• Temperature: 75–82°F

• pH: 7.8–8.6 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 8–18 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful to mildly aggressive; social with other peacocks

• Recommended Group Size: 3 or more females per male

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

• Max Size: 4–5 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, NorthFin Cichlid Formula, Hikari Cichlid Excel, supplemented with frozen mysis shrimp or spirulina flakes

Spiny Fire Eels are large, intelligent, and beautifully marked freshwater fish known for their bold red and orange stripe patterns and snake-like bodies. A member of the spiny eel family, they are peaceful with similarly sized fish but will eat anything small enough to fit in their mouths. They enjoy burrowing and benefit from soft substrate and plenty of hiding spaces.

• Temperature: 75–82°F

• pH: 6.5–7.5 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 5–15 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful but predatory toward small tankmates

• Recommended Group Size: Best kept singly

• Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons

• Max Size: 20–30 inches

• Diet: Hikari Carnivore Pellets, frozen bloodworms, blackworms, shrimp, and earthworms; accepts hand feeding once acclimated

Firecracker Tropheus Cichlids are vibrant, active cichlids native to Lake Tanganyika, prized for their bold red-orange coloration and strong social behavior. These fish thrive in groups and require stable water conditions, plenty of rockwork, and a diet high in vegetable matter. They are best kept with other Tropheus or similar Lake Tanganyika species.

• Temperature: 75–80°F

• pH: 7.8–9.0 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Aggressive within hierarchy, best kept in groups

• Recommended Group Size: 8 or more

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

• Max Size: 4.5–5 inches

• Diet: Spirulina-based flakes or pellets, Hikari Cichlid Excel, Ocean Nutrition Spirulina Flakes, supplemented with blanched vegetables (avoid high-protein or meaty foods to prevent bloat)

Firemouth Cichlids are known for their vibrant red throats and gill flares, which they use in territorial displays. Native to Central America, these cichlids are hardy and relatively peaceful compared to other medium-sized cichlids, making them great for semi-aggressive community setups. They appreciate open swimming space and caves or driftwood for retreat.

• Temperature: 75–82°F

• pH: 6.5–7.8 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 8–15 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial during breeding

• Recommended Group Size: Alone, in pairs, or in species groups with space

• Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons

• Max Size: 6–7 inches

• Diet: Hikari Cichlid Gold, Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, supplemented with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and high-quality pellets