Abstract: This study investigated the proximate composition and mineral contents of two commercially important cichlids, Heterotis niloticus and Oreochromis niloticus, reared in fish ponds in Nigeria. The method of study followed internationally accepted procedures after AOAC. Crude proteins in both species were 18.92±0.11 gm/100 gm and 21.86±0.02 gm/100 gm for H. niloticus and O. niloticus respectively. Carbohydrate was 5 times more in H. niloticus than in O. niloticus. Ash, moisture, crude fat and NFE were similar in both species (p>0.05). Similarly, the concentration of calcium, iron, copper and phosphorus were not significant in the species (p>0.05). However, sodium and potassium were 3 and 2 times higher in H. niloticus when compared to that measured in O. niloticus. The significance of these results are discussed on the basis of their economic, social and health uses.