I'm aware every cichlid is different and they have their very own personality, but I'm making this from personal experience. Feel free to share your views! I know there are a lot of topics on it, but none of a list that came from me
, this is an interesting but subjective topic that get's discussed a lot! We love fish with attitudes
Let me know what you think, I've been keeping cichlids for 12 years now. You gotta love em'
Here's the list! I know I mentioned some african cichlids in there, but majority are CA/SA so I'll post it under here!
Top 15 Most Aggressive Cichlids (CA/SA/WA)
1: Parachromis dovii- The famous wolf cichlid. Absolutely no other cichlid can come close to this brute. Built like a tank and thirsty for blood, this beast will eliminate all other tankmates like it was some walk in a park.
2: Hemichromis fasciatus- Banded jewelfish. I can only describe this fish in two words, HOLY SH**. They might lack in size, but Ive seen little 4 inch specimens run a tank with Dovii, Red Devil, and Buttikoferi that were TWICE its size. It was ludicrous, I couldnt believe my eyes until I purchased one, Id put this fish as #1 if the dovii wasnt built like a machine.
3: Nandopsis haitiensis- The Black Nasty cichlid. Although both sex of this species are nasty, its the females that deserve the reputation and its the females that can go completely Black-Nasty with color. The name itself is enough to warn you before bringing black hell into your home.
4: Nandopsis grammodes- Mini Dovii cichlid. This contender would get #3, but it lacks growth. They might grow extremely slow, yet that doesnt slow them down from battering the living hell out of their tankmates. Grammodes are the most impressive cichlids when it comes to pure persistence when fighting!
5: Parachromis motaguense- Motaguense cichlid. The Doviis younger cousin, Im serious. From my experience, theyre probably the most fierce medium sized cichlid. Fangs, intelligence, and courage is what I call a born monster.
6: Amphilophus labiatus- The famous Red Devil cichlid. Ive seen some red devils make even the cichlids above their slave. Red Devils have a heart of a tigers. Still to this day, my all time favorite cichlid. Full of personality, a true wet pet.
7: Tilapia buttikoferi- Hornet cichlid. Buttikoferi are very different, coming from Africa and being primarily a herbivore, unlike the cichlids from CA/SA. Theyre not known for lip-locking, but instead at full force, they shove or slam their enemies into anything around. Buttikoferi use the surrounding to their advantage. They are known to take on and beat Doviis and Red Devils!
8: Nandopsis beani- Green Guapote cichlid. Beani cichlids are somewhat overrated with aggression, BUT are certainly not soft. They despise other beani with a passion, true hatred for their very own race lol. Downside is theyre susceptible to bloat, any moderate levels of stress and theyre gone.
9: Caqeutaia umbriferus- The famous Umbee cichlid. A MASSIVE blue freckled monster! The entire hobby are addicted to these gems. Similar to a dovii not nearly as tenacious though. Umbees are capable of dominating just about anything, they rarely kill, but can be rough at times.
10: Nandopsis istlanum- Istlanum cichlid. Its all a draw with this species! Some Istlanum can be passive, while others are nuts. Still a powerful cichlid that resembles an umbee, many people call it a mini umbee.
11: Amphilophus festae- Red Terror cichlid or Festae. By far the most gorgeous cichlid species! Females are stunning roses, the males are electric gold/green. Festae might be beautiful, but dont let them fool you. Their attitudes can be overwhelming.
12: Parachromis managuense- The famous Jaguar cichlid. Jaguar cichlids are well known for being highly territorial, they love their turf. Jaguars are actually pretty outgoing when properly housed, since they can achieve great size. Jags will hold their own nonetheless.
13: Amphilophus trimaculatus- Trimac cichlid. Trimacs are strong like an ox, can hold off anything even a dovii. I had a trimac that outlived a dovii that murdered everything but him! The dovii tried and tried, yet nothing was too much for the trimac. Hardiest cichlid EVER!
14: Nandopsis salvini- Salvini cichlid. Another beauty like the festae, some say its even prettier! Salvini are rather small, but can fend off cichlids twice their size. Easily the most aggressive small CA cichlid.
15: Nandopsis tetracanthus- Cuban cichlid. I like to call it mini haitiensis, similar in color and ferocity. It was hard to decide which was nastier, salvini or cuban. But Ive seen more peaceful cubans than salvini.
