subject: African Cichlid Varieties Offer Popular Aquarium Choices [print this page] Native to the lakes of Africa, the African Cichlid (Cichlidae perciformes) is a large and diverse breed of fish. A huge diversity of this fish is found in Lake Victoria, Lake Malawi and Lake Tanginika and it is considered to be one of the most diverse and specialized in the world. The breed is felt to be the most colorful of all freshwater fish. Cichlids (pronounced sik-lid) are found nearly everywhere below the equator, but mainly in Africa and South America.
Over 1300 species have been described scientifically. It is estimated that there are probably at least that many more that have not been discovered. Lake Tanginika alone is believed to host over 1000 species of cichlid and many considered them most beautiful fish in the world. This species of fish is considered one of the easiest fish to care for in aquariums and they have a tremendous following with aquarium hobbyists.
Varying in color, shape and size, cichlids can be as small as one inch, to as large as 3 feet long. They can be cylindrical and long, or flat and round. The majority are in the middle as medium sized and roughly shaped like an oval. While they differ greatly, the one thing that they have in common is the fusion of the lower pharyngeal bones, forming into a solid tooth-bearing piece.
Cichlids vary in the kind of food they eat as well. They are carnivorous, omnivorous, and herbivorous eating only algae, other fish, snails or vegetation. A majority of this species is territorial and they defend their territory ferociously. Along with carnivorous cichlids, the territoriality has caused trouble for many an unsuspecting new aquarium owner.
Cichlids have shown to be good parents as they protect and guard their eggs and hatchlings. Many species are mouth-brooders, keeping the eggs and hatchlings in their mouths. Both male and female usually share in the guarding a nesting area. It has also been observed that this species provides communal care of baby fish within a school with multiple breeding pairs.
While these fish are considered wonderful aquarium fish, they are also known as great for eating and sport fishing. Talapia have been caught as food for eons and they are now regularly bred and farmed for the consuming public. The peacock bass is highly prized as a sport fish as is the oscar.
Most of us have seen and admired cichlids of various breeds without knowing they were part of the same species. These fish are high adaptable to captivity and breed well in aquariums. The most well known cichlid is probably the popular angelfish. Enthusiasts state that these fish are smart and affectionate. With the wide coloration, size and shape of this species you may just have an African Cichlid in disguise in your fish tank.
by: Craig Wrightson
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