Cichlid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cichlids |
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| Common freshwater angelfish, Pterophyllum scalare |
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Cichlidae
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Cichlids are fish from the family Cichlidae in the order Perciformes. Cichlids are members of a suborder known as Labroidei. This family is both large and diverse. At least 1,650 species have been scientifically described, making it one of the largest vertebrate families.
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. Cichlids are popular freshwater fish kept in the home aquarium.
Contents
Description
Cichlids span a wide range of body sizes, from species as small as 2.5 cm (0.98 in) in length to much larger species approaching 1 m (3.3 ft) in length. As a group, cichlids exhibit a similar diversity of body shapes. Generally, however, cichlids tend to be of medium size, ovate in shape, and slightly laterally compressed.
Many cichlids, are important food fishes, while others are valued game fish. The family also includes many familiar aquarium fish, including the angelfish.
Cichlids have the largest number of endangered species among vertebrate families. Their diversity in the African Great Lakes is important for the study of speciation in evolution. Many cichlids introduced into waters outside of their natural range have become nuisances.
Feeding
Many cichlids are primarily herbivores, feeding on algae and plants. Small animals, particularly invertebrates, are only a minor part of their diets. This variety of feeding styles has helped cichlids to inhabit similarly varied habitats. Its pharyngeal teeth (teeth in the throat) afford cichlids so many "niche" feeding strategies, because the jaws pick and hold food, while the pharyngeal teeth crush the prey.
Reproduction
Cichlids have highly organized breeding activities.
Brood care
All species show some form of parental care for both eggs and larvae, often nurturing free-swimming young until they are weeks or months old. The species Neolamprologus pulcher uses a cooperative breeding system, in which one breeding pair has many helpers which are subordinate to the dominant breeders.
Population status
In 2010, the International Union for Conservation of Nature classified 184 species as vulnerable, 52 as endangered, and 106 as critically endangered.
Game fish
Many large cichlids are popular game fish. The peacock bass (Cichla species) of South America is one of the most popular sportfish. It was introduced in many waters around the world. In Florida, this fish generates millions of hours of fishing and sport-fishing revenue of more than US$8 million a year.
Aquarium fish
Since 1945, cichlids have become increasingly popular as aquarium fish. The most common species in hobbyist aquaria is Pterophyllum scalare from the Amazon River basin in tropical South America, known in the trade as the "angelfish". Another popular or readily available species is the oscar.
Images for kids
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Relationships within the Labrodei
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A 19th century watercolor painting of a pale flag cichlid by Jacques Burkhardt.
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Pelmatolapia mariae, caught on a hook and line, in Australia: Originally from Africa, the species established feral populations in Australia.
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A female Cyphotilapia frontosa mouthbrooding fry, which can be seen looking out her mouth
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Cichlids of the African rift lake system evolved from an original hybrid swarm.
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Haplochromis thereuterion has declined, but still survives in low numbers.
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The discus, Symphysodon spp., has been popular among aquarium enthusiasts.
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The "red Texas" cichlid is not a Texas cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) but an intergeneric hybrid of Herichthys and Amphilophus parents.
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A leucistic long-finned form of the oscar, A. ocellatus
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The oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is one of the most popular cichlids in the fishkeeping hobby.
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The butterfly peacock bass (Cichla ocellaris) was introduced intentionally in Florida as gamefish.
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The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is farmed extensively as food fish in many parts of the world.
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The angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) has long been commercially bred for the aquarium trade.
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Sexual dimorphism is common in cichlids. Shown here are a male (front, with egg spots) and a female (rear) Maylandia lombardoi.
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A pair of blue rams (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi), male in front, female behind. Many cichlids form strong pair bonds while breeding.
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A discus (Symphysodon spp.) is guarding its eggs. Advanced broodcare is one of the defining characteristics of cichlids.
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Lake Malawi, Eastern Africa, is home to numerous cichild species including this Livingston's cichlid (Nimbochromis livingstonii).
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Also from Lake Malawi
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Also from Lake Malawi
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A shell-brooding cichlid of the genus Lamprologus from Lake Tanganyika in East Africa
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The Texas cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) is the only cichlid native to the United States.
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Pelvicachromis pulcher is a West African riverine cichlid, and part of the aquarists dwarf cichlid group.
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Ivanacara adoketa, a dwarf cichlid from Brazil
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The red terror cichlid is a highly aggressive species from the rivers of Northeast South America.
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A juvenile female Maylandia lombardoi with faint stripes
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A juvenile Aequidens diadema
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See also
In Spanish: Cichlidae para niños
