Cichlids (Cichldae) are a highly diverse family of bony fishes (Class Osteichthyes). Their body shapes vary from species to species and include oblong (perch-like), tubular, elongated, or round (disk-like) body shapes. A number of cichlid genera are popular in the aquarium trade (angelfishes, American cichlids, jewelfishes, and discus).
Scientists estimate the number of cichlid species to be in the range of 200 to 2000 species, which are grouped into 140 genera.
Classification:
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Actinopterygii
- Order: Perciformes
- Family: Cichlidae
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Habitat: Freshwater and occasionally brackish water in lowland, tropical and subtropical regions. Lakes and slow rivers. Highly endemic. East Africa, Madagascar, Asia, Sri Lanka, South America, Central America, Middle east.
Diet: Varied diet depending on species. Herbivorous (algae), planktivorous (feed on phytoplankton or zooplankton), piscivorous (feed on fish, fish eggs, larvae, scales or fins)
Predators: Nile perch (introduced species).
Members of this family: The Family Cichlidae includes over 140 genera. The Animal Diversity Web provides an extensive list of members of the Family Cichlidae.
