Rusty Cichlids (Iodotropheus sprengerae) are peaceful and colorful Mbuna from Lake Malawi, named for their soft orange-to-rust body coloration with hints of violet. They are one of the more community-friendly African cichlids and do well in rocky aquascapes with similarly tempered tankmates.

• Temperature: 75–80°F

• pH: 7.6–8.6 (Adapted to Tallahassee tap water)

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful for a Mbuna; mildly territorial

• Recommended Group Size: 1 male with 2–3 females, or in species-only groups

• Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons

• Max Size: 4 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, spirulina flakes, Hikari Cichlid Excel, and occasional blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach)

Pink Petricola Catfish (often a trade name for a pale or selectively bred variant of Synodontis lucipinnis or Synodontis petricola) are peaceful, active catfish from Lake Tanganyika. Known for their social behavior and attractive coloration, they do well in groups and are a great fit for African cichlid tanks.

• Temperature: 74–80°F

• pH: 7.6–8.4 (Adapted to Tallahassee tap water)

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful and social; active mostly at night

• Recommended Group Size: 3 or more

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

• Max Size: 4–5 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Bottom Feeder Formula, Hikari sinking wafers, Hikari frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp

Yellow Rainbowfish are vibrant, fast-swimming community fish known for their bright yellow-gold bodies and active schooling behavior. Like other Melanotaenia species, they thrive in planted aquariums with open swimming space and display their best colors in groups. Males develop a deeper body and stronger hues as they mature.

• Temperature: 74–80°F

• pH: 7.0–8.0 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 8–20 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Recommended Group Size: 6 or more

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

• Max Size: 3.5–4 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Formula, Hikari Micro Pellets, supplemented with frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and spirulina flakes

Yellow Labs are one of the most peaceful and popular African cichlids, known for their vibrant yellow coloration and adaptability. They’re ideal for beginners to Malawi setups and bring a striking contrast to rock-based aquascapes.

• Temperature: 75–82°F

• pH: 7.8–8.6 (Adapted to Tallahassee tap water)

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; more peaceful than most mbuna

• Recommended Group Size: 1 male to 3+ females, or groups with ample space

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

• Max Size: 4–5 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Spirulina Formula, Hikari Cichlid Excel, spirulina flakes, and occasional blanched vegetables (avoid high-protein foods)

Turquoise Rainbowfish are striking and energetic freshwater fish known for their shimmering blue-green coloration and deep-bodied shape. Native to Lake Kutubu in Papua New Guinea, they are peaceful community fish that thrive in planted tanks with open swimming space and high water quality.

• Temperature: 75–82°F

• pH: 7.0–8.0 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 8–20 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful and active

• Recommended Group Size: 6 or more (schooling species)

• Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons

• Max Size: 4.5–5 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Formula, Hikari Micro Pellets, high-quality flakes, and frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms

Tiger Oscars are intelligent and bold cichlids known for their vibrant orange patterns and engaging personalities. They quickly learn to recognize their owners and often beg for food like pets. Due to their large size and territorial behavior, they require a spacious aquarium with strong filtration and regular maintenance. Decor should be sturdy, as Oscars may rearrange their environment.

• Temperature: 74–81°F

• pH: 6.0–8.0

• Hardness: 5–20 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial with tank mates

• Recommended Group Size: Alone or in a bonded pair

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

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

OB Blue Peacock Cichlids are eye-catching African cichlid hybrids known for their unique “OB” (orange blotch) patterning mixed with rich blue coloration. These fish are semi-aggressive and do well in all-male peacock or mixed African setups. They thrive in hard, alkaline water and need plenty of rockwork to establish territory.

• Temperature: 76–82°F

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

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive

• Recommended Group Size: Best kept singly, in all-male setups, or with similarly tempered species

• Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

• Max Size: 5–6 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, Hikari Cichlid Excel, supplemented with spirulina flakes and occasional frozen foods (avoid high-protein/fatty foods to prevent bloat)

Frontosa Cichlids are majestic and slow-growing African cichlids known for their bold bands, large nuchal humps, and calm temperament. Native to Lake Tanganyika, they prefer deep, rocky environments and stable water conditions. Though generally peaceful for their size, they may eat smaller tank mates and are best housed with other large, compatible African cichlids.

• Temperature: 74–80°F

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

• Hardness: 10–20 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful but predatory toward small fish

• Recommended Group Size: Groups of 5 or more or as a bonded pair

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons (larger for groups)

• Max Size: 10–12 inches

• Diet: Hikari Cichlid Gold, NorthFin Cichlid Formula, Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, supplemented with frozen krill, shrimp, or silversides

Elegant Stiphodon Gobies are small, algae-grazing fish known for their slender bodies, iridescent coloration, and peaceful nature. Native to fast-flowing streams, they do best in well-oxygenated tanks with smooth rocks, sandy substrate, and plenty of biofilm to graze on. Males display striking electric blue or green hues during breeding.

• Temperature: 72–78°F

• pH: 7.0–8.0 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 6–15 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful and shy

• Recommended Group Size: Singly or in small groups (males may spar mildly)

• Minimum Tank Size: 15 gallons

• Max Size: 2.5 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Algae Formula, algae wafers, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach), biofilm, and occasional frozen daphnia or baby brine shrimp

Electric Blue Texas Cichlids are bold, eye-catching fish known for their intense blue iridescence and confident personalities. A selectively bred variant of the native Texas cichlid, they are semi-aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding. They thrive in large aquariums with rocks, caves, and plenty of swimming space.

• Temperature: 72–82°F

• pH: 6.5–8.0 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 8–20 dGH

• Temperament: Semi-aggressive, territorial

• Recommended Group Size: Alone or as a bonded pair

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

• Max Size: 8–10 inches

• Diet: Hikari Cichlid Gold, Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, supplemented with frozen shrimp, bloodworms, and occasional vegetable matter (like blanched spinach or peas)

Congo Tetras are stunning, peaceful schooling fish known for their shimmering rainbow-like coloration and flowing, iridescent fins. Native to the Congo River Basin, they add movement and elegance to medium to large community aquariums and thrive in well-planted tanks with soft lighting.

• Temperature: 73–82°F

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

• Hardness: 4–15 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful and active

• Recommended Group Size: 6 or more (schooling species)

• Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons

• Max Size: 3.5–4 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Formula, Hikari Micro Pellets, high-quality flakes, and frozen foods like bloodworms and daphnia

Blue Kerri Tetras are peaceful and eye-catching schooling fish known for their shimmering blue to violet coloration and subtle fin highlights. Native to slow-moving rivers in South America, they thrive in planted community tanks with soft lighting and stable water. These tetras display best when kept in groups and are ideal for peaceful freshwater setups.

• Temperature: 74–80°F

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

• Hardness: 4–12 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful and social

• Recommended Group Size: 6 or more

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

• Max Size: 2 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Tropical Formula, Hikari Micro Pellets, supplemented with frozen daphnia, brine shrimp, and finely crushed flakes

Balloon Blue Rams are a selectively bred variant of the German Blue Ram with a shorter, rounder body and vivid electric blue coloration. They are peaceful, personable dwarf cichlids that thrive in well-maintained, planted aquariums with stable water parameters and low aggression tankmates.

• Temperature: 78–84°F

• pH: 6.5–7.6 — Adapted to Tallahassee tap water

• Hardness: 5–12 dGH

• Temperament: Peaceful to semi-territorial (especially during spawning)

• Recommended Group Size: Singly or in bonded pairs

• Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

• Max Size: 2.5 inches

• Diet: Fluval Bug Bites Cichlid Formula, Hikari Micro Pellets, and frozen bloodworms, daphnia, or brine shrimp