Cichlids

Cichlids () are a large, diverse, and widespread family of percomorph fish in the family Cichlidae, order Cichliformes. At least 1,760 species have been scientifically described, making it one of the largest vertebrate families, with only the Cyprinidae being more speciose. New species are discovered annually, and many species remain undescribed. The actual number of species is therefore unknown, with estimates varying between 2,000 and 3,000. They are native to the Neotropics, Africa (including Madagascar), the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, although some species have been int

Astatotilapia is a genus of small freshwater fish in the family Cichlidae found in Eastern and Northern Africa, with a single species, A. flaviijosephi, in Western Asia (the only non-African haplochromine). Many species have been moved between this genus and Haplochromis, and while some consensus has been reached in recent years, their mutual delimitation is still far from settled. Based on mtDNA, Astatotilapia as currently defined is polyphyletic.

species of fish

Etia nguti is a species of cichlid fish endemic to Cameroon in Central Africa where it is only known from the Nguti River (Ehumbve river), a tributary of the Cross-Manyu River. This species can reach up to in standard length. It is the only member of its genus and tribe.

The Astronotinae are a subfamily of cichlids from South America, where they are found in the Amazon, Orinoco, Paraná, and Paraguay River basins, and various rivers in the Guianas. The subfamily includes three genera, each with two species. Although in other classifications all three genera are placed in the subfamily Cichlinae with Astronotus being the only genus in the monogeneric tribe Astronotini of the subfamily Cichlinae and the other two genera being placed in the tribe Cichlini.

tribe of fishes

Etroplinae is a subfamily in the cichlid family of fishes. The subfamily includes 3 genera (and about 16 species) : Etroplus and Pseudetroplus, which are the only cichlids native to India and Sri Lanka, and Paretroplus from Madagascar (other genera native to this island are in the subfamilies Paratilapiinae and Ptychochrominae).

The Ptychochrominae are a subfamily in the cichlid family of fish. It includes about 14 species. They are restricted to lakes and rivers in Madagascar, and the majority are threatened. Most cichlid genera native to Madagascar are included in this subfamily; the only exceptions are Paretroplus (subfamily Etroplinae) and Paratilapia (sometimes included in the Ptychochrominae, but likely belongs in its own subfamily).

Flowerhorn cichlids are ornamental aquarium fish noted for their vivid colors and the distinctively shaped heads for which they are named.

Heterotilapia is a genus of cichlid fish that are native to rivers from Guinea-Bissau to Liberia in tropical West Africa. Formerly considered a subgenus of Tilapia, in 2013, it was elevated to genus rank. They are medium-large cichlids, up to about in standard length depending on the species, and with a distinctive dark-and-light banded pattern. They are substrate spawners and brooders (not mouthbrooders as some other tilapias). H. buttikoferi is a common species that also has been introduced outside its native range, but H. cessiana is highly localized and critically endangered.

Pelmatolapia is a genus of cichlids native to tropical Africa. This genus and Pterochromis are the only in the tribe Pelmatolapiini, but formerly they were included in Tilapiini.

Lepidophagy is a specialised feeding behaviour in fish that involves eating the scales of other fish. Lepidophagy is widespread, having evolved independently in at least five freshwater families and seven marine families. A related feeding behavior among fish is pterygophagy: feeding on the fins of other fish.

thumb|The orange chromide, (Pseudetroplus maculatus) will feed on eggs Paedophagy (literally meaning the "consumption of children") in its general form is the feeding behaviour of fish or other animals whose diet is partially, or primarily the eggs or larvae of other animals. However, P. H. Greenwood, who was the first to describe paedophagia, defines it to be a feeding behaviour evolved among cichlid fishes.

subfamily of fishes

Cribroheros is a genus of cichlid found in Middle America. These freshwater fish are distributed over most of Middle America, from western Panama to southern Mexico, on both Atlantic and Pacific slopes. Depending on species, their habitat ranges from fast-flowing rivers and streams, to slow-moving or standing water such as ponds and lakes. Although the genus is overall widespread, the individual species tend to have more restricted distributions and some are threatened, especially due to habitat loss and pollution. They reach up to in standard length.

Heterochromis is a genus of cichlid fish in the order Perciformes. It is the only genus of the subfamily Heterochromidinae, and contains a single species, Heterochromis multidens, which is endemic to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa. The relationships of Heterochromis to other cichlids have long been controversial, with several morphological features suggesting that it is more closely related to American cichlids than to other African species. Molecular studies have given contradictory results. The most comprehensive analysis done to date found more support for relationship to African c

cichlid fish that use the empty shells of aquatic snails as sites for breeding and shelter