I owned cichlids a few years back. Loved them. If you don't already own one, get a good book. They are challenging fish to keep, but can be a lot of fun.

I have a Tanganyika tank with multies (neolamprologus multifasciatus) in it. Most people go with Malawi Cichlids, they tend to have more color as a whole and can be slightly easier to care for. The reason cichlids are so popular in my opinion is because of their unique behavior. While my cichlids are communal fish and live together in shells, others behave completely different. Most are territorial, some care for young some might eat them. It is hard to generalize them with all of the different varieties. If you will be getting some of the ones from pet smart or such a place they might be just assorted fish. They need rock formation to hide. They dig up and eat plants, so get synthetic. They are generally messy fish, all cichlids are, your filtration and feeding technique will need to account for this. They sometimes will move your substrate so make waterscapeing and rock structure secure so they don't cause things to fall on them. You can get aquarium silicone to secure a structure. A book is a great idea, also get on some forums http://www.cichlid-forum.com/ http://www.african.uklinux.net/phpBB/index.php Most fish have a specific behavior, keep researching. this is my tank, and fish

Yes, I own one. I'd have to go back and look at what kind, but he's a beautiful yellow, about 3-4 inches.