About Custom Cichlids

Hi, I'm Chad Westleigh, and if you’re here, you’re probably as hooked on fishkeeping as I’ve been since I was twelve. My journey into aquaristics started with a pair of convict cichlids from a local pet shop who accidentally bred in my tank – and from that point on, I was captivated. By the time I finished high school, I’d even built a custom 55-gallon aquarium that still proudly stands in my school 20 years later. That was just the beginning.

Today I reside in southern Massachusetts and my fish room has become my personal retreat, a space where I spend hours caring for what I consider to be some of the most fascinating hybrids around. I’ve kept all kinds of cichlids over the years, from Tanganyikan species-specific tanks to vibrant Central and South American community tanks. But about five years ago, I discovered a unique passion for New World hybrids, leading me to create and develop my own selective breeding projects.

Custom Cichlids is my way of sharing this passion with other fish fanatics. Each fish you’ll find here is a result of years of dedication, knowledge, and a genuine love for the craft. Whether you’re a seasoned aquarist or new to the world of cichlids, I hope you find as much joy in these unique hybrids as I do.