[Art by Stef*]

Lol! Once a cichlid always a cichlid.
I believe there are some mild ones, like bettas, the reputed "fighting" fish, but you can never trust 100%.

But, in my experience, I had beautiful, mega-large, peaceful Angels in community tank that turned killer over 2 years, that I recently re-homed in Jan. The female has provided her new owner with lovely spawns.
Maybe she was horny or mating aggressive, but that could happen with any cichlid at any time

-Stef*

 

[Art by Stef*]

Good notation rich.
Stef you can't just lump all cichlids together. And just because your angels have done so does not mean that someone else's will.. that's like saying all pit bulls are killers and will eventually turn on you, which is a load of cr*p...

That is not a good analogy.
You can't train a fish, nor does inbreeding influence the personality of a fish.
Fish are closer related to reptiles, not mammals.
Yes, there are peaceful cichlids, but don't be shocked if they eat all their tank mates one day, because it is the nature of the beast.
(Heck, I had a blood thirsty PLATY)
I had boas and snakes before that were trustworthy and peaceful.
But, if I was of edible size, I have no doubts my snakes would try to eat me if hungry.

-Stef*

 

[Art by Stef*]

How we keep or perceive our fish is totally up to the individual.
Behavior is the discussion here.
I believe there are peaceful cichlids, like PlantedRichs', just it should not be a shocker if it would go "rouge" or revert back someday, is all.

-Stef*

 

[Art by Stef*]

I think we should look at the initial thread, before starting the whole fish emotion thingy.
"Are all cichlids bad?"
What makes them bad? Because they eat other fish, or uproot plants?
It's what fish do.

I think a lot of people like to attribute extraordinary behaviors to their pets.
That's fine and dandy, just don't be shocked if it follows its natural behaviors some time during its life.
I seen people remark about their guppies being fry eaters, and condemn the fish.
It's perfectly natural, although an inconvenience to someone trying to breed.
It doesn't make the fish "bad".

Same with people who boo-hoo when they fail to clip their pet bird's wing and it flies away, or those who brag "my dog doesn't need to be leashed" and gets hit by a car.

Or, I never cover my tanks because my fish have never jumped. It only takes once, and I have some uncovered tanks. I will take full responsibility for being a dummy if one jumps because I should know better. (A cover would ruin my 'scape)

Animals follow their own agenda, and there are exception to every species behaviors.
Best to do as much research as you can before acquiring a pet, fish or otherwise, and knowing what to expect stops the labeling of "good" or "bad."

I have a betta that slaughters snails-not to eat-but because it just likes to.
No competition for food, or threat perception that I can see.
His brother absolutely loves snails-stares at them for hours, does circles around the tank and races back to see if his new chum is watching, and falls asleep on them.
I prefer the snail lover personality, but I can't judge the other, because he is, after all, a fighting fish. It's part of their behavior.

-Stef*