Shop South American cichlids for sale, from oscars, severums, green terrors and geophagus to angelfish, discus, uaru and festivums. Ranging from peaceful dwarfs to big, personable showpieces, these cichlids offer intelligence, color and behavior that keep hobbyists hooked for life. Buy South American cichlids online at Live Fish Store and we ship overnight to your door.
Why buy South American cichlids from Live Fish Store
- Healthy, robust fish: selected for color, body condition and strong feeding response.
- Overnight shipping: live orders ship via FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Next Day Air.
- Live arrival guarantee: every cichlid is covered from our door to yours.
- Free shipping on $80+: qualifying aquatic-life orders ship free within the USA.
Choosing the right South American cichlids for your tank
Tank size depends on the species. Dwarf cichlids and angelfish fit 20 to 40 gallon tanks, medium species like severums and geophagus want 55 to 75 gallons, and oscars and green terrors need 75 to 125 gallons or more as adults. Most South American cichlids prefer warm, soft to moderately hard water at 76 to 82°F, with sand substrate, driftwood and sturdy or floating plants, since many species dig.
Temperament varies from peaceful to boisterous. Large cichlids should be kept with fish of similar size and attitude, such as large plecos, silver dollars or other robust cichlids, and every species becomes territorial when breeding. Feed quality cichlid pellets sized for the fish, supplemented with frozen foods, and include vegetable matter for severums, uaru and geophagus.
Shipping and live arrival guarantee
South American cichlids ship overnight via FedEx Priority Overnight or UPS Next Day Air, carefully packed for the trip. If a fish arrives DOA, report it within 2 hours of delivery for store credit or a replacement under our live arrival guarantee. Qualifying aquatic-life orders of $80 or more ship free within the USA.
Frequently asked questions
Are South American cichlids aggressive?
Generally less so than African and Central American cichlids. Many are semi-aggressive when spawning, but severums, geophagus and angelfish are relatively calm.
What tank size do oscars need?
A single adult oscar needs 75 gallons or more; a pair or a mixed tank of large cichlids should start at 125 gallons.
Can I mix South American cichlids with African cichlids?
It is not recommended. They prefer different water chemistry and temperaments and rarely make good long-term tankmates.
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