These cool water cichlids were once some of the most common cichlids in the hobby, but gradually fell out of favour as heaters and faster shipping methods became the norm. These fishes can handle cooler water, though they'll do quite well in a tropical aquarium. They would make a great addition to a summer tub or pond project.

A larger sized cichlid, the Rio Ceibel cichlid is generally fairly peaceful, though it will bicker with any similar looking fish. It can be succesfully maintained with other large cichlids, such as the Pearsei Cichlid, provided they are not aggressive, and can also be kept with well moving, shoaling fish, such as Panda or Clown Barbs, or any number of rainbowfish.