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Many species of South American cichlid are suitable for keeping within a tropical freshwater community tank. Many species, such as Angels (Pterophyllum scalare) and Rams (Microgeophagus ramirezi) are already established old favourites, but many of our shops also stock a wide selection of other South American Cichlids, including rare and scientifically undescribed species, many of which are high quality wild caught specimens. 

 
Can they be kept in a community tank? 
The smaller species, such as Laetacara curviceps, Laetacara thayeri "Purple Peru", and Laetacara dorsigerus grow to around 7cm (3") and can be kept in pairs or small groups in most community aquaria. Even some of the larger species, such as Uaru amphiacanthoides, Heros severus, Heros notatus, Heros appendiculatus and Mesonauta festivus can be kept in community tanks, providing they are large (over 90cm, 3 ft.)and do not contain small, or delicate fishes. Some species may show territoriality or heightened aggression during spawning, but many are peaceful and will breed and care for their young with no major problems. 
 
How are the other species best kept? 
Many of the other South American Cichlids, such as Satanoperca jurupari, Geophagus spp., Gymnogeophagus spp., and some Aequidens species can be a little aggressive or grow too large for community tanks. These species are best kept in larger tanks (around 120cm or larger) furnished with sturdy plants, rocks and bogwood. They can also be housed alongside larger fishes, such as catfishes, or even with shoals of large fast moving tetras. Some species, such as Oscars (Astronotus ocellatus) and Pike Cichlids (Crenicichla spp.) are fiercely predatory, and need to be housed in very large tanks with other large, specimen fish. These can become quite tame, and will often learn to recognise their owners. 
 
Are they easy to breed? 
Some species, breed readily in aquaria but others are much more difficult. The majority are substrate spawners, and build nests excavated from the bottom gravel. They lay their eggs on large rocks or items of bogwood, and both sexes care for the young and the fry. A few species, such as the true Heros severus, and some members of the Geophagus group are mouthbrooders. The eggs may be picked up immediately after spawning, or they may pick up the youngsters to move them to new locations after they have hatched.