Top 10 Best Cichlids for Beginners! (Beautiful and NOT Overly Aggressive)

#bestcichlids
#10bestcichlids
#AfricanCichlids
I'm often asked, "I'm starting my first African Cichlid tank, what fish do you recommend?" Well, here finally is a list of my top 10 best cichlids for beginners (but experienced fish keepers will also love these fish!). They are recommended for a beginner's African Cichlid tank because they are both beautiful and not overly aggressive. Some of my favorites are on this list! There are around 20 more I could have added, but this is a good start.

Take a look and tell me what you think about my top 10 list and share with me in the comments below which fish would be on your top 10 best cichlids for beginners list. Remember the motto of this channel: ALWAYS BE LEARNING!

When making my choices I imagined a situation where it was the first African Cichlid tank and it was around 60 gallons. A very common starting point for cichlid keepers. I suggested fish that wouldn't get too large too fast and quickly outgrow the tank in six months. I also made sure not to include fish that would discourage the new fish keeper by being too aggressive.

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Thank you Phil "Mr Chips" Griffiths for the video logo.

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Never forget - YOU ROCK my friend!!!

[BenOchart]

Want more tips and tricks to care for your fish? Check out these playlists!

[NittanyFins]

THANK YOU BEN!!! I'm cycling my new 125 and I've not raised African cichlids before. So...I've been struggling with WHAT to stock my tank with for weeks now once it's cycled. This video was exactly what I needed and will give me a great place to start! Thank you again.

[cjyota]

Finally a beginner cichlid list not filled with mbuna!! Thanks Ben and I agree with your choices!

[evettepenny]

Thanks for using names for the fish that I can pronounce. Now I can go to the pet shop without a dictionary. 😊

[LAIKEM]

Ben your one of the best around I need a list of what not to get lol....I've made a terrible mistake of getting mbunas and peacocks in my 75 gallon without doing my imagine what I've been will I do anything without reading and asking questions again....love the videos!

[ruthwalker]

Excellent video. I love all of these fish and wish I had them.

[michael-evfk]

Another great video Ben. Love your easy jovial presentation filled with excellent real life knowledge and experiences.
Thanks again 😊

[johnborginson]

you are a pleasure to llisten to and very informative. I am redoing my 55gal. acrylic hex and am seriously thinking of going cichlid because of you

[aussbasstony]

Simple to the point and easy to understand, great Video👍

[HeatherNielsenScarletAquatics]

Thank you very much for this info, Ben! The Ruby Red Peacock is my fav on this list.

[johnmartinez]

I always marvel at your filtration. Your fish are stunning, the work you put in has really paid off. Thanks for sharing your methods and tips!

[stevesaquatics]

Great video Ben. That red cap deserves the top spot for sure.

[dennisruedel]

Hi Ben, Boom, another smash hit video!!! I really enjoyed your choice of fish. They would make for a very beautiful, peaceful tank. Keep up the great work, I will definitely share this one. Thanks for sharing.

[philhare]

really have enjoyed your videos...just got back having an aquarium again and how much I have learned just from a few videos....

[catfishcave]

Us Malawi noobs really appreciate this! Filed away for future use. My top ten are all South Americans save for one West African.

[milehighbeerguy]

Nice, I just got a 75 gallon and looking to start a cichlid tank.. Thanks for the suggestions!

[hellspawn]

Number two looks nice. Different blue from every other African cichlids

[magicalsquid]

These fish look great and all, but where the heck can I find these? MY fish stores don't carry any of these.

[ttravreefsaquatics]

Awesome looking top 10 Ben😎👍🏾, , thanks for giving me some ideas

[Willy]

Awesome and beautiful selection of hardy fish for beginners! 👍🐟