For me, the purpose of these pages are to display a group of fish that for many years have dominated my fish keeping interest, the dwarf cichlids of South America and West Africa. Presented here you will find a wide variety of the species that I have been fortunate enough to work with in my fish house, hopefully in the years to follow the number of species represented will continue to increase.

So, what is so special about cichlids??

Probably the most fascinating thing that sets the family Cichlidae apart from the other commonly kept tropical fish is their behaviour, in particular the fact that cichlid parents guard their fry. Sometimes it may only be one parent, on other occasion both parents will be involved. With some cichlids only the eggs and fry will be guarded, with others protection continues much longer. Then we move to breeding strategies, all cichlids are egg laying species, however not all cichlids guard their eggs on an open surface (or in a cave), some have developed mouth brooding strategies as well. From there you will then find a myriad of sizes and colours, some subtle, others not so!!

And a dwarf cichlid is??

Well obviously a member of the family cichlidae, but then it becomes more subjective. Traditionally a dwarf cichlid would be regarded as a species that is no longer than 4" (10cm) SL and should also be relatively peaceful. Some intraspecfic aggression is to be expected but generally they should mix well with con-specifics. (try telling that to some of the dwarves I've kept!!).

And we should keep them because??

Well, consider their small size and their breeding habits. We are able to recreate their natural habitat in sensible sized aquariums (well, as close as we can get to it with our glass box) and if we provide them with the right conditions we are able to observe a little slice of nature (in action) in our aquaria.

I must warn you now, keeping dwarf cichlids is a fascinating aspect of this hobby. It can quickly become an obsession though!!

Currently this site has details of only a few of the fish I have kept and bred, please check back often as it will be an ongoing process to upload the images and information I have sitting here.

Andrew