The Cichlidae family contains over 1,200 species, the majority of which are found in the Tanganyika and Malawai Lakes of central Africa.
Because there are so many varieties from which to choose, cichlids are certainly one of the most popular of all aquarium fish. Add to this variety their interesting behaviors, extroverted personalities, and pleasing appearance, and their popularity is no surprise. Cichlids are not without their challenges to the aquarist, however. They can be aggressive (especially during breeding and spawning), predatory, and destructive.
Of all their behaviors, cichlids are perhaps best known for their parenting. Egg layers, the eggs are carefully deposited on a hard surface as opposed to being scattered and abandoned. The eggs are then guarded until hatching. The fry are cared for until they can look after themselves. Mouth brooding species will carry the eggs and fry in their mouths to protect them.
With the array of species and the diversity of behaviors, cichlids are sure to retain their popularity as an entertaining freshwater aquarium fish.
- Blue Peacock Cichlid
- Buttikoferi Cichlid
- Cobalt Blue Zebra Cichlid
- Compressiceps
- Electric Blue African Cichlid
- Frontosa African Cichlid
- Kennyi Cichlid
- Lab Electric Yellow African Cichlid
- Moorii Cichlid
- Nanochromis Cichlid
- Red Zebra African Cichlid
- Tretocephalus Cichlid
- Venustus Cichlid
