Overview
Cichlids () are fishes from the family Cichlidae in the order Perciformes. Cichlids are members of a group known as the Labroidei along with the wrasses (Labridae), damselfish (Pomacentridae), and surfperches (Embiotocidae).[1] This family is both large and diverse. At least 1,650 species have been scientifically described,[2][3] 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 1,300 and 3,000.[4]
Description
Cichlids span a wide ra nge of body sizes, from species as small as 2.5 centimeters (0.98 in) in length (e.g., female Neolamprologus multifasciatus) to much larger species approaching 1 meter (3.3 ft) in length (e.g. Boulengerochromis and Cichla). As a group, cichlids exhibit a similar diversity of body shapes, ranging from strongly laterally compressed species (such as Altolamprologus, Pterophyllum, and Symphysodon) to species that are cylindrical and highly elongate (such as Julidochromis, Teleogramma, Teleocichla, Crenicichla, and Gobiocichla).[5] Generally, however, cichlids tend to be of medium size, ovate in shape and slightly laterally compressed, and generally similar to the North American sunfishes in morphology, behavior, and ecology.[6]
Many cichlids, particularly tilapia, are important food fishes, while others are valued game fish (e.g. Cichla species). The family also includes many familiar aquarium fish, including the angelfish, oscars, and discus.[5][7] Cichlids have the largest number of endangered species among vertebrate families, most in the haplochromine group.[8] Cichlids are particularly well known for having evolved rapidly into a large number of closely related but morphologically diverse species within large lakes, particularly Tanganyika, Victoria, Malawi, and Edward.[9][10] Their diversity in the African Great Lakes is important for the study of speciation in evolution.[11] Many cichlids that have been introduced into waters outside of their natural range have become nuisances, such as tilapia in the southern United States.[12]
Anatomy and appearance
Cichlids share a single key trait: the fusion of the lower pharyn geal bones into a single tooth-bearing structure. A complex set of muscles allows the upper and lower pharyngeal bones to be used as a second set of jaws for processing food, allowing a division of labor between the "true jaws" (mandibles) and the "pharyngeal jaws". Cichlids are efficient feeders that capture and process a very wide variety of food items. This is assumed to be one reason why they are so diverse.[5] Cichlids vary in body shape, ranging from compressed and disc-shaped (such as Symphysodon), to triangular (such as Pterophyllum), to elongate and cylindrical (such as Crenicichla).[13]
The features that distinguish them from the other Labroidei include:[2]
- A single nostril on each side of the forehead, instead of two.
- No bony shelf below the orbit of the eye.
- Division of the lateral line organ into two sections, one on the upper half of the flank and a second along the midline of the flank from about halfway along the body to the base of the tail (except for genera Teleogramma and Gobiocichla).
- A distinctively shaped otolith.
- The small intestine's left-side exit from the stomach instead of its right side as in other Labroidei.
Taxonomy
Kullander (1998) recognizes eight subfamilies of cichlids: the Astronotinae, Cichlasomatinae, Cichlinae, Etroplinae, Geophaginae, Heterochromidinae, Pseudocrenilabrinae, and Retroculinae.[14] A ninth subfamily, Ptychochrominae, was later recognized by Sparks and Smith[15]. Cichlid taxonomy is still debated, and classification of genera cannot yet be definitively given. A comprehensive system of assigning species to monophyletic genera is still lacking, and there is not complete agreement on what genera should be recognized in this family.[13]
As an example of the classification problems, Kullander[16] placed the African genus Heterochromis phylogenetically within neotropical cichlids, although later papers concluded otherwise. Other problems center upon the identity of the putative common ancestor for the Lake Victoria superflock, and the ancestral lineages of Tanganyikan cichlids.
Comparisons[17] between a morphologically-based phylogeny[18] and analyses of gene loci[19] produce differences at the genus level. There remains a consensus that the Cichlidae as a family is monophyletic.[20][21]
One problem that transformed cichlid taxonomy is related to dentition, which had been used as a classifying characteristic. In many cichlids, tooth shape changes with age, due to wear, and cannot be relied upon. Genome sequencing and other technologies transformed cichlid taxonomy.[22]
Range and habitat
Cichlids are the most species-rich non-Ostariophysan family in freshwaters worldwide. They are most diverse in Africa and South America. It is estimated that Africa alone hosts at least 1,600 species.[13] Central America and Mexico have approximately 120 species, as far north as the Rio Grande in southern Texas. Madagascar has its own distinctive species (Oxylapia, Paratilapia, Paretroplus, Ptychochromis, and Ptychochromoides), only distantly related to those on the African mainland.[2][24] Native cichlids are largely absent in Asia, except for nine species in Israel, Lebanon and Syria (Astatotilapia flaviijosephi, Oreochromis aureus, O. niloticus, Sarotherodon galilaeus, Tilapia zillii, and Tristramella spp.), one in Iran (Iranocichla), and three in India and Sri Lanka (Etroplus).[13] If disregarding Trinidad and Tobago (where the few native cichlids are members of genera that are widespread in the South American mainland), the three species from the genus Nandopsis are the only cichlids from the Antilles in the Caribbean, specifically Cuba and Hispaniola. Europe, Australia, Antarctica, and North America north of the Rio Grande drainage have no native cichlids, although in Florida, Mexico, Japan and northern Australia feral populations of cichlids have become established as exotics.[23][25][26][27][28][29][30]
Although most cichlids are found at relatively shallow depths, several exceptions do exist. These include species such as Alticorpus macrocleithrum and Pallidochromis tokolosh down to 150 meters (490 ft) below the surface in Lake Malawi,[31][32] and the whitish (non-pigmented) and blind Lamprologus lethops, which is believed to live as deep as 160 meters (520 ft) below the surface in the Congo River.[33]
Cichlids are less commonly found in brackish and saltwater habitats, though many species tolerate brackish water for extended periods; Cichlasoma urophthalmus, for example, is equally at home in freshwater marshes and mangrove swamps, and lives and breeds in saltwater environments such as the mangrove belts around barrier islands.[5] Several species of Tilapia, Sarotherodon, and Oreochromis are euryhaline and can disperse along brackish coastlines between rivers.[13] Only a few cichlids, however, inhabit primarily brackish or salt water, most notably Etroplus maculatus, Etroplus suratensis, and Sarotherodon melanotheron.[34] The perhaps most extreme habitats for cichlids are the warm hypersaline lakes where the members of the genera Alcolapia and Danakilia are found. Lake Abaeded in Eritrea encompasses the entire distribution of D. dinicolai, and its temperature ranges from 29 to 45 ?C (84 to 113 ?F).[35]
With the exception of the species from Cuba and Hispaniola, cichlids have not reached any oceanic island and have a predominantly Gondwanan distribution, showing the precise sister relationships predicted by vicariance: Africa-South America and India-Madagascar.[36] The dispersal hypothesis, in contrast, requires cichlids to have negotiated thousands of kilometers of open ocean between India and Madagascar without colonizing any other island or, for that matter, crossing the Mozambique Channel to Africa. Although the vast majority of Malagasy cichlids are entirely restricted to freshwater, Ptychochromis grandidieri and Paretroplus polyactis are commonly found in coastal brackish water and they are apparently salt tolerant,[37][38] as is also the case for Etroplus maculatus and E. suratensis from India and Sri Lanka.[39][40]
Ecology
Feedi ng
Many cichlids are primarily herbivores feeding on algae (e.g. Petrochromis) and plants (e.g. Etroplus suratensis). Small animals, particularly invertebrates, are only a minor part of their diet.
Other cichlids are detritivores and eat all types of organic material; called Aufwuchs; among these species are the tilapiines of the genera Oreochromis, Sarotherodon, and Tilapia.
Other cichlids are predatory and eat little or no plant matter. These include generalists that catch a variety of small animals, including other fishes and insect larvae (e.g. Pterophyllum), as well as variety of specialists. Trematocranus is a specialized snail-eater, while Pungu maclareni feeds on sponges. A number of cichlids feed on other fish, either entirely or in part. Crenicichla are stealth-predators that lunge from concealment at passing small fish, while Rhamphochromis are open water pursuit predators that chase down their prey.[42] Paedophagous cichlids such as the Caprichromis species eat other species' eggs or young, in some cases ramming the heads of mouthbrooding species to force them to disgorge their young.[41][43][44][45] Among the more unusual feeding strategies are those of Corematodus, Docimodus evelynae, Plecodus, Perissodus, and Genyochromis spp., which feed on scales and fins of other fishes, a behavior known as lepidophagy,[46][47][48] along with the death-mimicking behaviour of Nimbochromis and Parachromis species, which lay motionless, luring small fish to their side prior to ambush.[49][50]
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.[13]
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.
Communal parental care, where multiple monogamous pairs care for a mixed school of young have also been observed in multiple cichlid species, including Amphilophus citrinellus, Etroplus suratensis, and Tilapia rendalli.[51][52][53] Comparably, the fry of Neolamprologus brichardi, a species that commonly lives in large groups, are protected not only by the adults, but also by older juveniles from previous spawns.[54]
Several cichlids, including discus (Symphysodon spp.), some Amphilophus species, Etroplus and Uaru species feed their young with a skin secretion from mucous glands.[5][55]
Parental care falls into one of four categories:[55] substrate or open brooders, secretive cave brooders (also known as guarding speleophils[56]), and at least two types of mouthbrooders, ovophile mouthbrooders and larvophile mouthbrooders.[57]
Open brooding
Open or substrate brooding cichlids lay their eggs in the open, on rocks, leaves, or logs. Examples of open brooding cichlids include Pterophyllum, Symphysodon spp, and Anomalochromis thomasi. Male and female parents usually engage in differing brooding roles. Most commonly, the male patrols the pair's territory and repels intruders, while females fan water over the eggs, removing the infertile and leading the fry while foraging. However, both sexes are able to perform the full range of parenting behaviours.[57]
Cave brooding
Secretive cave spawning cichlids lay their eggs in caves, crevices, holes, or discarded mollusc shells, frequently attaching the eggs to the roof of the chamber. Examples include Pelvicachromis spp., Archocentrus spp, and Apistogramma spp.[55] Free-swimming fry and parents communicate in captivity and in the wild. Frequently this communication is based on body movements, such as shaking and pelvic fin flicking. In addition, open and cave brooding parents assist in finding food resources for their fry. Multiple neotropical cichlid species perform leaf-turning and fin-digging behaviors.[57]
Ovophile mouthbrooding
Ovophile mouthbrooders incubate their eggs in their mouths as soon as they are laid, and frequently mouthbrood free-swimming fry for several weeks. Examples include many East African Rift lakes (Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria) endemics, e.g.: Maylandia, Pseudotropheus, and Tropheus, along with some South American cichlids such as Geophagus steindachneri.
Larvophile mouthbrooding
Larvophile mouthbrooders lay eggs in the open or in a cave and take the hatched larvae into the mouth. Examples include some variants of Geophagus altifrons, and some Aequidens, Gymnogeophagus, and Satanoperca.[5][55] Mouthbrooders, whether of eggs or larvae, are predominantly females. Exceptions that also involve the males include eretmodine cichlids (genera Spathodus, Eretmodus, and Tanganicodus), some Sarotherodon species, Chromidotilapia guentheri, and some Aequidens species.[5][57][58] Rare paternal mouthbrooding occurs, for example, in Sarotherodon melanotheron.[59] This method appears to have evolved independently in several groups of African cichlids.[13]
Mating
Cichlids mate either monogamously or polygamously.[5] The mating system of a given cichlid species is not consistently associated with its brooding system. For example, although most monogamous cichlids are not mouthbrooders, Chromidotilapia, Gymnogeophagus, Spathodus and Tanganicodus are all monogamous mouthbrooders. In contrast, numerous open or cave spawning cichlids are polygamous; examples include Apistogramma, Lamprologus, Nannacara and Pelvicachromis.[5][60]
Population status
In 2010, the International Union for Conservation of Nature classified 184 species as vulnerable, 52 as endangered, and 106 as critically endangered.[61] At present, the IUCN only lists Yssichromis sp. nov. "argens" as extinct in the wild, and six species are listed as entirely extinct, but it is acknowledged that many more possibly belong in these categories (for example, Haplochromis aelocephalus, H. apogonoides, H. dentex, H. dichrourus and numerous other members of the genus Haplochromis have not been seen since the 1980s, but are maintained as Critically Endangered in the small chance that tiny ?but currently unknown? populations survive).[61]
Lake Victoria
Because of the introduced Nile perch (Lates niloticus) and water hyacinth, deforestation that led to water siltation, and overfishing, many Lake Victoria species have been wiped out or drastically reduced. By around 1980, lake fisheries yielded only 1 percent cichlids, a drastic decline from 80 percent in earlier years.[62]
About two-thirds of endemic cichlids (approximately 300 species), especially bottom feeders, became endangered or extinct. Some survivors have adapted by becoming smaller or hybridizing with other species.[62] Satellite lakes such as Lake Edward and Lake Kyoga have not been as strongly affected, however, and harbor an array of similar species.
Food and game fish
Although cichlids are mostly small- to medium-sized, many are notable as food and game fishes. With few thick rib bones and tasty flesh, artisan fishing is not uncommon in Central America and South America, as well as areas surrounding the African rift lakes.[62]
Tilapia
The most important food cichlids, however, are the tilapiines of North Africa. Fast growing, tolerant of stocking density, and adaptable, tilapiine species have been introduced and farmed extensively in many parts of Asia and are increasingly common aquaculture targets elsewhere.
Farmed tilapia production is about 1,500,000 tonnes (1,500,000 long tons; 1,700,000 short tons) annually with an estimated value of US$1.8 billion,[64] about equal to tha t of salmon and trout.
Unlike those carnivorous fish, tilapia can feed on algae or any plant-based food. This reduces the cost of tilapia farming, reduces fishing pressure on prey species, avoids concentrating toxins that accumulate at higher levels of the food chain and makes tilapia the preferred "aquatic chickens" of the trade.[62]
Game fish
Many large cichlids make good game fish. The strong, hard-fighting 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 sportfishing revenue of more than US$8 million a year.[65] Other cichlids preferred by anglers include the Oscar, Mayan cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus), and jaguar guapote (Parachromis managuensis).[65]
Aquarium fish
Since 1945, cichlids have become increasingly popular as aquarium fish.[5][55][57][66][67][68][69] Many cichlids are small to medium-sized, easy to feed with a range of prepared fish foods, breed readily, and practice brood care, making good aquarium fish.[55]
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". Other popular or readily available species include the oscar (Astronotus ocellatus), convict cichlid (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus) and discus (Symphysodon spp.).[5]
Cichlids can be kept in aquaria with other fish; however, many cichlids eat smaller fish.[55] Conversely, some cichlids, such as Apistogramma or Julidochromis spp., can be timid. In such cases the use of dither fish is recommended.[5]
Hybrids and selective breeding
Some cichlids readily hybridize with related species, both in the wild and under artif icial conditions.[70] Other groups of fishes, such as European cyprinids, also hybridize.[71] Unusually, cichlid hybrids have been put to extensive commercial use, in particular for aquaculture and aquaria.[7][72] The hybrid red strain of tilapia, for example, is often preferred in aquaculture for its rapid growth. Tilapia hybridization can produce all-male populations to control stock density or prevent reproduction in ponds.[7]
Aquarium hybrids
The most ubiquitous aquarium hybrid is perhaps the blood parrot cichlid which is a cross of several species, especially from genus Amphilophus. With a beak-shaped mouth, an abnormal spine, and an occasionally missing caudal fin (known as the "love heart" parrot cichlid), the fish is controversial among aquarists. Some have called blood parrot cichlids "the Frankenstein monster of the fish world."[73] Another notable hybrid, the flowerhorn cichlid, was very popular in some parts of Asia from 2001 until late 2003, and is believed to bring good luck to its owner.[74] The popularity of the flowerhorn cichlid declined in 2004.[75] Owners released many specimens into the rivers and canals of Malaysia and Singapore where they threaten endemic communities.[76]
Numerous cichlid species have been selectively bred to develop ornamental aquarium strains. The most intensive programs have involved angelfish and discus, and many mutations that affect both coloration and finnage are known.[5][77][78] Other cichlids have been bred for albino, leucistic, and xanthistic pigment mutations, including oscars, convicts and Pelvicachromis pulcher.[5][55] Both dominant and recessive pigment mutations have been observed.[11] In convict cichlids, for example, a leucistic coloration is recessively inherited,[79] while in Oreochromis niloticus niloticus red coloration is caused by a dominant inherited mutation.[80]
This selective breeding may have unintended consequences. For example, hybrid strains of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi have health and fertility problems.[81] Similarly, intentional inbreeding can cause physical abnormalities, such as the notched phenotype in angelfish.[82]
Genera
As of 2012, there were some 220 genera recognized by Catalog of Fishes, all but 13 of them also included in FishBase:[2]
Images of cichlids
The oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is one of the most popular cichlids in the fishkeeping hobby.
The butterfly peacock bass (Cichla ocellaris) was introduced intentionally in Florida as gamefish.
The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is farmed extensively as food fish in many parts of the world.
The angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) has long been commercially bred for the aquarium trade.
Sexual dimorphism is common in cichlids. Shown here are a male (front, with egg spots) and a female (rear) Maylandia lombardoi.
A pair of blue rams (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi), male in front, female behind. Many cichlids form strong pair bonds while breeding.
A discus (Symphysodon spp.) is guarding its eggs. Advanced broodcare is one of the defining characteristics of cichlids.
Lake Malawi, Eastern Africa, is home to numerous cichild species including this Livingston's cichlid (Nimbochromis livingstonii).
A shell-brooding cichlid of the genus Lamprologus from Lake Tanganyika in East Africa
The Texas cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) is the only cichlid native to the USA.
Pelvicachromis pulcher is a West African riverine cichlid, and part of the aquarists dwarf cichlid group.
The flowerhorn cichlid is a man-made hybrid that has recently gained popularity among aquarists, particularly in Asia.
Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus)
Nannacara adoketa, a dwarf cichlid from Brazil
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". Other popular or readily available species include the oscar (Astronotus ocellatus), convict cichlid (Archocentrus nigrofasciatus) and discus (Symphysodon spp.).[5]
Cichlids can be kept in aquaria with other fish; however, many cichlids eat smaller fish.[55] Conversely, some cichlids, such as Apistogramma or Julidochromis spp., can be timid. In such cases the use of dither fish is recommended.[5]
Hybrids and selective breeding
Some cichlids readily hybridize with related species, both in the wild and under artificial conditions.[70] Other groups of fishes, such as European cyprinids, also hybridize.[71] Unusually, cichlid hybrids have been put to extensive commercial use, in particular for aquaculture and aquaria.[7][72] The hybrid red strain of tilapia, for example, is often preferred in aquaculture for its rapid growth. Tilapia hybridization can produce all-male populations to control stock density or prevent reproduction in ponds.[7]
Aquarium hybrids
The most ubiquitous aquarium hybrid is perhaps the blood parrot cichlid which is a cross of several species, especially from genus Amphilophus. With a beak-shaped mouth, an abnormal spine, and an occasionally missing caudal fin (known as the "love heart" parrot cichlid), the fish is controversial among aquarists. Some have called blood parrot cichlids "the Frankenstein monster of the fish world."[73] Another notable hybrid, the flowerhorn cichlid, was very popular in some parts of Asia from 2001 until late 2003, and is believed to bring good luck to its owner.[74] The popularity of the flowerhorn cichlid declined in 2004.[75] Owners released many specimens into the rivers and canals of Malaysia and Singapore where they threaten endemic communities.[76]
Numerous cichlid species have been selectively bred to develop ornamental aquarium strains. The most intensive programs have involved angelfish and discus, and many mutations that affect both coloration and finnage are known.[5][77][78] Other cichlids have been bred for albino, leucistic, and xanthistic pigment mutations, including oscars, convicts and Pelvicachromis pulcher.[5][55] Both dominant and recessive pigment mutations have been observed.[11] In convict cichlids, for example, a leucistic coloration is recessively inherited,[79] while in Oreochromis niloticus niloticus red coloration is caused by a dominant inherited mutation.[80]
This selective breeding may have unintended consequences. For example, hybrid strains of Mikrogeophagus ramirezi have health and fertility problems.[81] Similarly, intentional inbreeding can cause physical abnormalities, such as the notched phenotype in angelfish.[82]
Genera
As of 2012, there were some 220 genera recognized by Catalog of Fishes, all but 13 of them also included in FishBase:[2]
Images of cichlids
The oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) is one of the most popular cichlids in the fishkeeping hobby.
The butterfly peacock bass (Cichla ocellaris) was introduced intentionally in Florida as gamefish.
The Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) is farmed extensively as food fish in many parts of the world.
The angelfish (Pterophyllum scalare) has long been commercially bred for the aquarium trade.
Sexual dimorphism is common in cichlids. Shown here are a male (front, with egg spots) and a female (rear) Maylandia lombardoi.
A pair of blue rams (Mikrogeophagus ramirezi), male in front, female behind. Many cichlids form strong pair bonds while breeding.
A discus (Symphysodon spp.) is guarding its eggs. Advanced broodcare is one of the defining characteristics of cichlids.
Lake Malawi, Eastern Africa, is home to numerous cichild species including this Livingston's cichlid (Nimbochromis livingstonii).
A shell-brooding cichlid of the genus Lamprologus from Lake Tanganyika in East Africa
The Texas cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus) is the only cichlid native to the USA.
Pelvicachromis pulcher is a West African riverine cichlid, and part of the aquarists dwarf cichlid group.
The flowerhorn cichlid is a man-made hybrid that has recently gained popularity among aquarists, particularly in Asia.
Texas Cichlid (Herichthys cyanoguttatus)
Nannacara adoketa, a dwarf cichlid from Brazil
References
- ^ a b Stiassny, M.L.J.; Jensen, J.S. (1987). "Labroid intrarelationships revisited: morphological complexity, key innovations, and the study of comparative diversity". Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University 151: 269?319.
- ^ a b c d Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2012). "Cichlidae" in FishBase. Feb 2012 version.
- ^ "List of Nominal Species of Cichlidae, in Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2012). FishBase,". Feb 2012 version. http://www.fishbase.org/Nomenclature/NominalSpeciesList.php?family=Cichlidae.
- ^ Stiassny, M., G. G. Teugels & C. D. Hopkins (2007). The Fresh and Brackish Water Fishes of Lower Guinea, West-Central Africa - Vol. 2. Mus?e Royal de l'Afrique Centrale. pp. 269. ISBN 978-90-74752-21-3.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Loiselle, P.V. (1994). The Cichlid Aquarium. Tetra Press. ISBN 1-56465-146-0.
- ^ Helfman G., Collette B., & Facey D. (1997). The Diversity of Fishes. Blackwell Publishing, Inc.. pp. 256?257. ISBN 0-86542-256-7.
- ^ a b c Chapman, F. A. (1992) (PDF). Culture of Hybrid Tilapia: A Reference Profile. Circular 1051. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FA/FA01200.pdf.
- ^ Reid, G. M. (December 1990). "Captive breeding for the conservation of cichlid fishes" (fee required). Journal of Fish Biology 37: 157. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.1990.tb05031.x. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1095-8649.1990.tb05031.x?journalCode=jfb.
- ^ Salzburger W., Mack T., Verheyen E., Meyer A. (2005). "Out of Tanganyika: Genesis, explosive speciation, key-innovations and phylogeography of the haplochromine cichlid fishes" (PDF). BMC Evolutionary Biology 5 (17): 17. doi:10.1186/1471-2148-5-17. . PMID 15723698. http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2148-5-17.pdf.
- ^ Snoeks, J. (ed.) (2004). The cichlid diversity of Lake Malawi/Nyasa/Niassa: identification, distribution and taxonomy. Cichlid Press. ISBN 0-9668255-8-6.
- ^ a b Kornfield, Irv; Smith, Peter (November 2000). "African Cichlid Fishes: Model Systems for Evolutionary Biology". Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics 31: 163. doi:10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.31.1.163. http://arjournals.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.31.1.163.
- ^ Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. "Fact sheet for Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852)". Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. http://nis.gsmfc.org/nis_factsheet2.php?toc_id=195. Retrieved 2006-10-20.
- ^ a b c d e f g Nelson, Joseph, S. (2006). Fishes of the World. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.. ISBN 0-471-25031-7.
- ^ Kullander, S.O. (1998). "A phylogeny and classification of the South American Cichlidae (Teleostei: Perciformes)". In L.R. Malabarba, R.E. Reis, R.P. Vari, Z.M. Lucena and C.A.S. Lucena (eds.). Phylogeny and classification of neotropical fishes. Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS. pp. 461?498. ISBN 978-85-7430-035-1.
- ^ Sparks, J.S. & Smith, W.L. (2004). "Phylogeny and biogeography of cichlid fishes (Teleostei: Perciformes: Cichlidae)". Cladistics 20 (6): 501-517. doi:10.1111/j.1096-0031.2004.00038.x.
- ^ Phylogeny of major groups of cichlids
- ^ Multilocus Phylogeny of Cichlid Fishes (Pisces: Perciformes): Evolutionary Comparison of Microsatellite and Single-Copy Nuclear Loci by Streelman, Zardoya, Meyer and Karl (1998) (Mol. Biol. Evol. 15(7):798?808. 1998, paper available as PDF here
- ^ Stiassny, 1991
- ^ maximum-parsimony bootstrap consensus trees and majority-rule trees and other similar phylogenetic trees
- ^ From the various nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analyses in this and other papers
- ^ Further insights into the attractiveness of Cichlid taxonomy as a fertile area of research is given by the paper The species flocks of East African cichlid fishes: recent advances in molecular phylogenetics and population genetics by Salzburger and Meyer (Naturwissenschaften (2004) 91:277?290, paper available as PDF here), in which the advances made in the analysis of the phylogeny of the Lake Victoria superflock (among other East African Cichlids) is discussed in depth.
- ^ Highlighted by Dr Humphry Greenwood of the Natural History Museum, London, in a paper in 1977 (cited in TFH magazine, August 1977, with a follow up letter by Dr Greenwood in the November 1977 issue complaining about poor reportage of his work).
- ^ a b Koehn, J.D.; MacKenzie, R.F. (2004). "Priority management actions for alien freshwater fish species in Australia" (PDF). New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 38 (3): 457?472. doi:10.1080/00288330.2004.9517253. http://www.rsnz.org/publish/nzjmfr/2004/041.pdf. Retrieved 2007-04-19. [dead link]
- ^ Boruchowitz, D. E. (2006). Guide to Cichlids. T.F.H. Publications. ISBN 0-7938-0584-8.
- ^ ABC Far North Queensland. "Tilapia :: Far North Queensland". Archived from the original on 2007-10-17. http://web.archive.org/web/20071017061120/http://abc.net.au/farnorth/stories/s1313845.htm. Retrieved 2007-04-19.
- ^ Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors.. "Archocentrus nigrofasciatus, Convict cichlid". FishBase. http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=3615. Retrieved 2007-03-29.
- ^ Yamamoto, M.N.; Tagawa, A.W. (2000). Hawai'i's native and exotic freshwater animals. Honolulu, Hawaii: Mutual Publishing. pp. 200.
- ^ Page, L.M.; Burr, B.M. (1991). A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. pp. 432. ISBN 0-395-35307-6.
- ^ University of Southern Mississippi/College of Marine Sciences/Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (2005-08-03). "Fact Sheet for Tilapia zilli (Gervais, 1848)". Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. http://nis.gsmfc.org/nis_factsheet2.php?toc_id=200. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
- ^ Fuller, Pam L.; Leo G. Nico (2002-10-11). "Nonindigenous Fishes of Florida - With a Focus on South Florida". U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Coastal Geology. http://sofia.usgs.gov/sfrsf/rooms/species/invasive/focus/. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2006). "Alticorpus macrocleithrum" in FishBase. April 2006 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2006). "Pallidochromis tokolosh" in FishBase. April 2006 version.
- ^ Norlander, Britt (April 20, 2009). Rough waters: one of the world's most turbulent rivers is home to a wide array of fish species. Now, large dams are threatening their future. Science World
- ^ Frank Sch?fer (2005). Brackish-Water Fishes. Aqualog. ISBN 3-936027-82-X (English), ISBN 3-936027-81-1 (German).
- ^ Stiassny, de Marchi & Lamboj (2010). A new species of Danakilia (Teleostei, Cichlidae) from Lake Abaeded in the Danakil Depression of Eritrea (East Africa). Zootaxa 2690: 43?52.
- ^ Chakrabarty, P., Cichlid Biogeography: Comment and Review, Fish and Fisheries, Volume 5, Pages 97-119, 2004
- ^ Stiassny, M., and Sparks, J. S. (2006). Phylogeny and Taxonomic Revision of the endemic Malagasy genus Ptychochromis (Teleostei: Cichlidae), with the description of five new species and a diagnosis for Katria, new genus. American Museum Novitates 3535.
- ^ Sparks, J. S. (2008). Phylogeny of the Cichlid Subfamily Etroplinae and Taxonomic Revision of the Malagasy Cichlid Genus Paretroplus (Teleostei: Cichlidae). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History Number 314: 1-151
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2011). "Etroplus maculatus" in FishBase. July 2011 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2011). "Etroplus suratensis" in FishBase. July 2011 version.
- ^ a b Ribbink, A.J.; Lewis, D.S.C. (1982). "Melanochromis crabro sp. nov.: a cichlid fish from Lake Malawi which feeds on ectoparasites and catfish eggs". Netherlands Journal of Zoology 32 (1): 72?87. doi:10.1163/002829682X00058. .
- ^ Oliver, M.K. (1999-11-18). "Rhamphochromis esox". malawicichlids.com: The Cichlid Fishes of Lake Malawi. http://malawicichlids.com/mw08096.htm. Retrieved 2007-04-19.
- ^ McKaye, K.R.; Kocher, T. (1983). "Head ramming behaviour by three paedophagous cichlids in Lake Malawi, Africa". Animal Behaviour 31: 206. doi:10.1016/S0003-3472(83)80190-0.
- ^ Wilhelm, W. (1980). "The disputed feeding behavior of a paedophagous haplochromine cichlid (Pisces) observed and discussed". Behaviour 74 (3): 310. doi:10.1163/156853980X00528.
- ^ Konings, A. (2007). "Paedophagy in Malawi cichlids". Cichlid News 16: 28?32.
- ^ Trewavas, E. (1947). "An example of "mimicry" in fishes". Nature 160 (4056): 120. doi:10.1038/160120a0.
- ^ Eccles, D.H.; D.S.C. Lewis (1976). "A taxonomic study of the genus Docimodus Boulenger (Pisces, Cichlidae) a group of fishes with unusual feeding habits from Lake Malawi". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 58 (2): 165?172. doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.1976.tb00826.x.
- ^ Nshombo, M. (1991). "Occasional egg-eating by the scale-eater Plecodus straeleni (Cichlidae) of Lake Tanganyika". Environmental Biology of Fishes 31 (2): 207?212. doi:10.1007/BF00001022.
- ^ Tobler, M. (2005). "Feigning death in the Central American cichlid Parachromis friedrichsthalii". Journal of Fish Biology 66 (3): 877. doi:10.1111/j.0022-1112.2005.00648.x.
- ^ McKaye, K.R. (1981). "Field observation on death feigning: a unique hunting behavior by the predatory cichlid, Haplochromis livingstoni, of Lake Malawi". Environmental Biology of Fishes 6 (3?4): 361?365. doi:10.1007/BF00005766.
- ^ McKaye, K.R.; N.M. McKaye (1977). "Communal Care and Kidnapping of Young by Parental Cichlids". Evolution 31 (3): 674?681. doi:10.2307/2407533. JSTOR 2407533.
- ^ Ward, J.A.; R.L. Wyman (1977). "Ethology and ecology of cichlid fishes of the genus Etroplus in Sri Lanka: preliminary findings". Environmental Biology of Fishes 2 (2): 137?145. doi:10.1007/BF00005369.
- ^ Ribbink, A.J.; A.C. Marsh, and B.A. Marsh (1981). "Nest-building and communal care of young by Tilapia rendalli dumeril (pisces, cichlidae) in Lake Malawi". Environmental Biology of Fishes 6 (2): 219?222. doi:10.1007/BF00002787.
- ^ Steeves, Greg. Neolamprologus brichardi. africancichlids.net. Accessed 2008-04-08
- ^ a b c d e f g h Riehl, R?diger. Editor.; Baensch, HA (1996. 5th Edn.). Aquarium Atlas. Germany: Tetra Press. ISBN 3-88244-050-3.
- ^ Balon, E.K. (1975). "Reproductive guilds of fishes: a proposal. and definition". Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada 32 (6): 821?864. doi:10.1139/f75-110.
- ^ a b c d e Keenleyside, M.H.A. (1991). "Parental Care". Cichlid Fishes: behaviour, ecology and evolution. London: Chapman and Hall. pp. 191?208. ISBN 0-412-32200-5.
- ^ Coleman, R. (January 1999). "Mysterious mouthbrooders". Cichlid News: 32?33.
- ^ Kishida, M.; J.L. Specker (2000). "Paternal Mouthbrooding in the Black-Chinned Tilapia, Sarotherodon melanotheron (Pisces: Cichlidae): Changes in Gonadal Steroids and Potential for Vitellogenin Transfer to Larvae". Hormones and Behavior 37 (1): 40?48. doi:10.1006/hbeh.1999.1556. PMID 10712857.
- ^ Martin, E.; and M. Taborsky (1997). "Alternative male mating acttics in a cichlid, Pelvicachromis pulcher: a comparison of reproductive effort and success". Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology 41 (5): 311?319. doi:10.1007/s002650050391.
- ^ a b IUCN 2010. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2010.4. Downloaded on 26 April 2011.
- ^ a b c d Barlow, G. W. (2000). The Cichlid Fishes. Cambridge, MA: Perseus Publishing. ISBN 0-7382-0376-9.
- ^ Kaufman L (1996) Haplochromis latifasciata. In: IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
- ^ De Silva, S.S; Subasinghe, R.P.; Bartley, D.M.; Lowther, A. :Tilapias as Alien Aquatics in Asia and the Pacific: A Review. FAO Fisheries Technical Paper. No. 453, 2004. [1]
- ^ a b Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. "Fact Exotic Freshwater Fishes". http://floridafisheries.com/fishes/non-native.html. Retrieved 2007-03-18.
- ^ Sands D (1994) A fishkeepers guide to Central American cichlids. Tetra Press. Belgium pg 59-60.
- ^ Mills D (1993) Aquarium Fish Harper Collins ISBN 0-7322-5012-9
- ^ Konings A (1997) Back to nature guide to Malawi Cichlids Druckhaus Beltz, Germany. p. 13-23
- ^ Leibel WS (1993) A fishkeepers guide to South American cichlids. Tetra Press. Belgium pg 12-14.
- ^ Smith, P. F., Konings, A., and Kornfield I.: Hybrid origin of a cichlid population in Lake Malawi: implications for genetic variation and species diversity. Molecular Ecology 12, pp 2497?2504, 2003 [2]
- ^ Wood, A. B., and Jordan, D. R.: Fertility of roach ? bream hybrids, Rutilus rutilus (L.) ? Abramis brama (L.), and their identification. Journal of Fish Biology 30, pp 249-261, 1987
- ^ Matt Clarke. "Frequently asked questions on Parrot cichlids". Practical Fishkeeping. Archived from the original on 2007-09-26. http://web.archive.org/web/20070926235443/http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/show_article.php?article_id=331. Retrieved 2006-10-20.
- ^ "It's The Frankenstein Monster Of The Fish World: The Blood Parrot!". AquaFriend.com. 2002-10-27. http://www.aquafriend.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=66&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0. Retrieved 2006-12-05.
- ^ Arnold W (2003) Singapore's 'lucky' pet Luohan can outnumber people in homes. International Herald Tribune. July 1.
- ^ Crayfish the latest fad among pet lovers New Straits Times (Malaysia) (2004) 3rd September
- ^ Flower Horn: Joy in homes, a pest in rivers. New Straits Times (Malaysia) (2004) 14th July.
- ^ Norton J (1982) Angelfish genetics Freshwater And Marine Aquarium magazine 5:(4)
- ^ Koh TL, Khoo G, Fan LQ, Phang VPE (1999) Genetic diversity among wild forms and cultivated varieties of Discus (Symphysodon spp.) as revealed by Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting Aquaculture 173:485-497.
- ^ Itzkovich J, Rothbard S, Hulata G (1981) Inheritance of pink body coloration in cichlasoma nigrofasciatum G?nther (Pisces, Cichlidae). Genetica 55: 15-16.
- ^ McAndrew CJ, Roubal FR, Roberts RJ, Bullock AM, McEwan IM (1988) The genetics and history of red, blond, and associated color variants in Oreochromis niloticus Genetica 76:172.
- ^ Linke H, Staeck L (1994) American cichlids I: Dwarf Cichlids. A handbook for their identification, care and breeding. Tetra Press. Germany. ISBN 1-56465-168-1
- ^ Norton J (1994) Notched - An Angelfish Deformity Freshwater And Marine Aquarium magazine 17:(3)
- ^ R?mer, U. & Hahn, I. (2006). "Ivanacara gen. n. (Teleostei: Perciformes, Cichlasomatini): a new genus of cichlids from the Neotropis". In R?mer, U.. Cichlid Atlas 2. pp. 1190?1197.
Taxonomy
The Family Cichlidae is further organized into finer groupings including:
- Subfamily (2): Geophaginae · Pseudocrenilabrinae
- Tribe (1): Heroini
- Genus (220): Acara · Acarichthys · Acaronia · Acaropsis · Aequidens · Aequideus · Alcolapia · Allochromis · Alticorpus · Altolamprologus · Altolamptologus · Amatitlania · Amphilophus · Andinoacara · Anomalochromis · Apistogramma · Apistogrammoides · Archocentrus · Aristochromis · Astatheros · Astatoreochromis · Astatotilapia · Astronotus · Aulonocara · Aulonocranus · Australoheros · Baileychromis · Bathybates · Batrachops · Benitochromis · Benthochromis · Biotodoma · Biotoecus · Boulengerochromis · Buccochromis · Bujurquina · Callochromis · Caprichromis · Caquetaia · Cardiopharynx · Chaetobranchopsis · Chaetobranchus · Chalinochromis · Champsochromis · Cheilochromis · Chetia · Chilochromis · Chilotilapia · Chromidotilapia · Cichla · Cichlasoma · Cichlosoma · Cleithracara · Congochromis · Copadichromis · Corematodus · Crenicara · Crenicichla · Cromis · Cryptoheros · Ctenochromis · Ctenopharynx · Cunningtonia · Cyathochromis · Cyathopharynx · Cyclopharynx · Cynotilapia · Cyphotilapia · Cyprichromis · Cyrtocara · Danakilia · Dicrossus · Dimidiochromis · Diplotaxodon · Divandu · Docimodus · Eclectochromis · Ectodus · Enantiopus · Enigmatochromis · Eretmodus · Etia · Etroplus · Exochochromis · Fossorochromis · Genyochromis · Geophagus · Gephyrochromis · Gnathochromis · Gobiocichla · Grammatotria · Greenwoodochromis · Guianacara · Gymnogeophagus · Haplochromis · Haplotaxodon · Harpagochromis · Hemibates · Hemichromis · Hemihaplochromis · Hemitaeniochromis · Hemitilapia · Herichthys · Heroina · Heros · Heterochromis · Heterogramma · Heterotilapia · Hoplarchus · Hoplotilapia · Hypselacara · Hypselecara · Hypsophrys · Iodotropheus · Julidochromis · Konia · Krobia · Labeotropheus · Labidochromis · Laetacara · Lamprologus · Lepidiolamprologus · Leptochromis · Lestrada · Lestradea · Lethrinops · Limnochromis · Limnotilapia · Lipochromis · Lithochromis · Lobochilotes · Macropleurodes · Maravichromis · Maylandia · Mchenga · Melanochromis · Mesonauta · Mesops · Microgeophagus · Mikrogeophagus · Myaka · Mylochromis · Nannacara · Nanochromis · Neetroplus · Neochromis · Neolamprologus · Nimbochromis · Nyassachromis · Ophthalmotilapia · Oreochromis · Orthochromis · Otopharynx · Oxylapia · Papiliochromis · Papiliochromus · Parachromis · Paracyprichromis · Paralabidochromis · Paraneetroplus · Parapetenia · Paratheraps · Paratilapia · Paretroplus · Pelmatochromis · Pelvicachromis · Perissodus · Petenia · Petrochromis · Petrotilapia · Placidochromis · Platytaeniodus · Prognathochromis · Protomelas · Pseudocrenilabrus · Pseudotropheus · Pterophyllum · Ptychochromis · Ptychochromoides · Ptyochromis · Pundamilia · Pungu · Pyxichromis · Retroculus · Rhamphochromis · Rocio · Sargochromis · Sarotherodon · Satanoperca · Schubotzia · Schwetzochromis · Sciaenochromis · Serranochromis · Simochromis · Steatocranus · Stomatepia · Symphysodon · Taeniochromis · Taeniolethrinops · Teleogramma · Telmatochromis · Theraps · Thoracochromis · Thorichthys · Tilapia · Tomocichla · Tramitichromis · Tramitochromis · Trematocara · Triglachromis · Tristramella · Tropheops · Tropheus · Tylochromis · Tyrannochromis · Uaru · Vieja · Xenotilapia · Xystichromis · Yssichromis
- Species: ZipcodeZoo has pages for 2,922 species and subspecies in the Family Cichlidae.
Genera
Acara
Acara may refer to: [more]
Acarichthys
Acarichthys heckelii is a South American species of cichlid fish. It is the only member of the genus Acarichthys. It is found in rivers in the Amazon and Essequibo basins. [more]
Acaronia
Acaronia is a small genus of cichlids with two species. They are found in the Amazon, Orinoco and other basins in northern South America. [more]
Acaropsis
Aequidens
Aequidens is a genus of fish in the family Cichlidae. The genus itself is poorly defined and polyphyletic. Many species have been reallocated to other genera such as Bujurquina, Laetacara, Tahuantinsuyoa (Kullander, 1986), and Cleithracara (Kullander & Nijssen, 1989). [more]
Aequideus
Alcolapia
Allochromis
Haplochromis welcommei is a species of fish in the Cichlidae family. [more]
Alticorpus
Alticorpus is a small genus of cichlids containing five formally described species, and at least 2 undescribed species, all endemic to the deep waters of Lake Malawi. [more]
Altolamprologus
Altolamprologus is a small genus of pseudocrenilabrine cichlids endemic to Lake Tanganyika in eastern Africa. They inhabit areas of the lake with large amounts of rock, most frequently in water two to ten metres in depth. Two formally described species comprise this genus, with perhaps one dwarf A. compressiceps-like species being considered an unedescribed species by some. Neolamprologus fasciatus is also considered by some to belong to this genus. [more]
Altolamptologus
Amatitlania
Amphilophus
Amphilophus is a genus of cichlid fishes from Central America. The genus currently contains 23 species. However, a 2008 study led by suggested that several species within Amphilophus should be moved to the genus Astatheros. Species proposed to be moved to Astatheros are A. alfari, A. altifrons, A. bussingi, A. diquis, A. longimanus, A. macracanthus (which would be the type species for Astatheros), A. margaritifer, A. rhytisma, A. robertsoni and A. rostratus. Rican's study suggests that the Astatheros species are more closely related to the Jack Dempsey and Rainbow Cichlid than to the remaining Amphilophus species. [more]
Andinoacara
Anomalochromis
Anomalochromis thomasi is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae, the only species in the genus Anomalochromis. It is a small cichlid growing to a length of 6?8 centimetres (2.4?3.1 in). The natural habitat of A. thomasi is Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, mainly in smaller streams. The fish are typically found in slightly acidic, oxygen rich water with other west African cichlid genera such as Hemichromis and Pelvicachromis. [more]
Apistogramma
Apistogramma is a genus of approximately a hundred species of fish from the family Cichlidae found in tropical areas of the Amazon basin and Venezuela. Apistogramma literally means "irregular lateral line" referring to a common trait of the species under this taxon. Most species are strongly sexually dimorphic, with males generally larger (up to 7 to 9 cm) and differently colored to females. [more]
Apistogrammoides
Apistogrammoides is a genus of cichlid fish. The single species, Apistogrammoides pucallpaensis, is a very small cichlid, reaching 3?4 centimetres (1.2?1.6 in) in length. It is found in the lower Ucayali River in Peru, and the upper Amazon River in Peru and Colombia. The genus is closely allied with Apistogramma. [more]
Archocentrus
Archocentrus is a small genus of cichlid fishes from Central America. The genus currently contains 3 species. It formerly included 7 of the species now included in the genus Cryptoheros, as well as the convict cichlid, now included in the genus Amatitlania. The Rainbow Cichlid, Archocentrus multispinosus, was formerly included in the genus Herotilapia. A 2008 study led by suggested that the Rainbow Cichlid is actually more closely related to the Jack Dempsey (genus Rocio) and the cichlids of the genus Astatheros than to the other Archocentrus cichlids, and thus should be moved back to the genus Herotilapia. [more]
Aristochromis
Aristochromis christyi is a species of fish in the Cichlidae family. It is found in Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Its natural habitat is freshwater lakes. It is ohe only member of the genus Aristochromis. [more]
Astatheros
Astatoreochromis
Astatoreochromis is a small genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to riverine habitats in East Africa. Tilapia bemini, usually placed in the tilapiines, may be rather close to this genus. However, extensive hybridization capabilities of African cichlids seriously confound analyses of phylogeny based on mtDNA, while morphological analyses tend to yield little information due to widespread parallel evolution. [more]
Astatotilapia
Astatotilapia is a genus of haplochromine cichlids from Africa, with a single species in Israel and Syria. 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. [more]
Astronotus
Astronotus is a genus of South American fish from the family Cichlidae. The genus is one of three genera which make up the tribe . There are two species in the genus (listed below), both of which are found in the Amazon Basin, while one of two also is found in the Paran? and Paraguay rivers. Astronotus species grow to 35 cm in size, and are monomorphic. They are opportunistic omnivores and consume a range of smaller fish, crustaceans, mollusks and other invertebrates in the wild. [more]
Aulonocara
Aulonocara is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. All Aulonocara species are maternal mouth brooders. Particularly in the aquarium hobby, Aulonocara species are also known as peacock cichlids, aulonocaras or simply "peacocks". This genus is strongly sexually dichromic, even by haplochromine standards. [more]
Aulonocranus
Aulonocranus is a monotypic genus of cichlid fish. The single species, Aulonocranus dewindti, is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. [more]
Australoheros
Baileychromis
Baileychromis is a monotypic genus of cichlid fish. The single species, Baileychromis centropomoides, is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in east Africa. [more]
Bathybates
Bathybates is a small genus of predatory cichlid fish. The genus is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in east Africa and contains 7 species. [more]
Batrachops
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[1] [more]
Benitochromis
Benitochromis is a small genus of cichlid fishes that are endemic to riverine and lake habitats in Middle Africa (Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, including the island of Bioko). The genus contains 6 species. [more]
Benthochromis
Benthochromis is a small genus of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Tanganyika in east Africa. There are three formally described species, and possibly several additional undescribed species. [more]
Biotodoma
Biotodoma is a small genus of cichlids. They are native to rivers in the Amazon, Orinoco and Essequibo basins in South America. [more]
Biotoecus
Biotoecus is a fish genus of cichlids from northern South America. These small cichlids do not surpass 10 centimetres (3.9 in) in length. [more]
Boulengerochromis
The Giant Cichlid (Boulengerochromis microlepis) is an East African species of fish in the Cichlidae family. It is the only member of its genus Boulengerochromis and tribe Boulengerochromini. The species was originally described as Tilapia microlepis by George Albert Boulenger in 1899. The genus name was changed in his honour by Jacques Pellegrin in 1904. [more]
Buccochromis
Buccochromis is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to East Africa. [more]
Bujurquina
Bujurquina is a genus of cichlid fish endemic to South America. The genus contains 17 species. [more]
Callochromis
Callochromis is a genus of cichlids, including the species C. macrops, C. melanostigma, C. pleurospilus and C. stappersi. All species occupy shallow, sandy bottom areas of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, C. macrops and C. melanostigma attaining six inches in length, whereas C. pleurospilus and C. stappersi only four inches. As sandsifters, all species eat sand-dwelling invertebrates. Unlike many other sandsifters, Callochromis species are somewhat aggressive, especially when breeding. C. pleurospilus and C. stappersi have become popular with fishkeeping hobbyists because of their compact size, iridescent colors, and hardiness. [more]
Caprichromis
Caprichromis is a small genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. This genus contains noted paedophagous cichlids, specialising in the eating of eggs and fry of other cichlid species. [more]
Caquetaia
Caquetaia is a small genus of cichlid fishes from Central and South America. The genus currently contains four species. [more]
Cardiopharynx
Cardiopharynx is a monotypic cichlid genus. The single species, Cardiopharynx schoutedeni, is a semi-pelagic, schooling fish endemic to Lake Tanganyika in east Africa. This fish is purely freshwater, and prefers temperatures of 23 ? 28?C. It can be deemed a tropical fish. It has a high survival rate, and its populations can double in under 15 months time. Sizes of schools can reach several hundred fish. This fish is completely harmless to human life. Its name is derived from the Greek words 'kardios' and 'pharynx' which mean 'heart' and 'throat'. [more]
Chaetobranchopsis
Chaetobranchopsis is a small genus of cichlid fishes from South America, where they are found in the Amazon, Paran? and Paraguay river basins. The genus currently contains two species. [more]
Chaetobranchus
Chaetobranchus is a small genus of cichlid fishes from South America. The two species are found in the Amazon Basin, Orinoco Basin and rivers in the Guianas. [more]
Chalinochromis
Chalinochromis is a small and disputed cichlid genus from the subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae; it contains just two species. These ray-finned fishes are endemic to Lake Tanganyika in the East African Rift. The scientific name refers to the bridle-like markings across the heads of members of this genus. They have specialized jaws enabling them to feed on sponges . [more]
Champsochromis
Champsochromis is a small genus of cichlid fishes endemic to Lake Malawi in east Africa. [more]
Cheilochromis
Cheilochromis is a monotypic genus of cichlid fish, meaning it contains only a single species. This is the Malawi Thicklip, Cheilochromis euchilus. [more]
Chetia
Chetia is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to riverine habitats in Africa. [more]
Chilochromis
Chilochromis is a monotypic genus of cichlid fish containing only Chilochromis duponti. This species is endemic to riverine habitats in east Africa. [more]
Chilotilapia
Chilotilapia is a monotypic genus of cichlid fish. The single species, Chilotilapia rhoadesii, is called Malawi Bream due to its looks. But it is quite unrelated to the breams proper, which are Cypriniformes. [more]
Chromidotilapia
Chromidotilapia is a genus of cichlid fishes. The genus contains 11 species. Of these, 9 are from Central Africa, one (C. guentheri) is from Liberia to Cameroon, while the final (C. cavalliensis) is restricted to C?te d'Ivoire. [more]
Cichla
Cichla is a genus of fifteen described species of fish from the family Cichlidae. Kullander & Ferreira (2006) described nine species in a recent paper [1] and suggest the genus may include 5-15 other species, yet to be described. The genus includes several species valued as game fish, collectively known as peacock bass, and is also of interest to cichlid keeping aquarists. Cichla species are amongst the largest cichlids, with one species, (C. temensis), growing to over 90 cm (3 feet). [more]
Cichlasoma
Cichlasoma is a genus of fish in the cichlid family. The genus was previously very large, including cichlids from Texas, North America, through all of Central America to parts of South America. [more]
Cichlosoma
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[2] [more]
Cleithracara
The keyhole cichlid, Cleithracara maronii, is a cichlid fish endemic to tropical South America, occurring in the Orinoco River basin from Guyana to French Guiana. The single species is the only species in the genus Cleithracara. The species is popular with fishkeeping hobbyists and is frequently kept in aquariums. [more]
Congochromis
Copadichromis
Copadichromis is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in Eastern Africa. Many Copadichromis species are popular with aquarists who keep mbuna (Lake Malawi cichlids), as this genus is relatively peaceful in captivity. [more]
Corematodus
Corematodus is a small genus of cichlids with only two species. [more]
Crenicara
Crenicara is a small genus of cichlid fishes that are endemic to creeks and rivers in the Amazon and Essequibo basins in South America. These cichlids have several dark spots on the side of their body, and do not surpass 10 centimetres (3.9 in) in length. [more]
Crenicichla
Crenicichla is a genus of the cichlids family (Cichlidae); it contains the pike cichlids. It is the most speciose genus of South American cichlids, including approximately 115 species as of 2009; one or two species are on average described as new each year. Pike cichlids are found in most of tropical and subtropical South America between the Andes and the Atlantic. [more]
Cromis
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[3] [more]
Cryptoheros
Ctenochromis
Ctenochromis is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to East Africa. [more]
Ctenopharynx
Ctenopharynx is a small genus of haplochromine cichlids from East Africa. Two of its species are endemic to Lake Malawi, while the third occurs in Lake Malawi and the upper reaches of the Shire River. [more]
Cunningtonia
Cunningtonia longiventralis is a species of fish in the cichlid family, and the only member of its genus. It is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. [more]
Cyathochromis
Cyathochromis is a monotypic genus of cichlid fish. The single species, Cyathochromis obliquidens, is found in Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. [more]
Cyathopharynx
Cyathopharynx is a monotypic genus of cichlid fish. The single species, Cyathopharynx furcifer, originally described by Boulenger as Paratilapia furcifer in 1898 but later reclassified as Cyathopharynx furcifer, is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in east Africa. Aquarium literature sometimes recognises a second species, Cyathopharynx foai (e.g.: Konings, 1995) originally described by Vailliant as Ectodus foae in 1899, though this species is not currently formally recognized. [more]
Cyclopharynx
Cyclopharynx is a small genus of two species of cichlid fish. Both species are endemic to the Fwa river, in the Kasai-Oriental province, Democratic Republic of the Congo in west Africa. [more]
Cynotilapia
Cynotilapia is a genus of fishes from the family Cichlidae. The genus was described by the British ichthyologist Charles Tate Regan in 1922. All fishes in these genus form part of the mbuna flock, the rock-dwelling fishes of Lake Malawi, in the rift valley of East Africa. All species are polygamous, maternal, ovophile mouthbrooders and carry their fry in this fashion for about 20?30 days. [more]
Cyphotilapia
Cyphotilapia is a small genus of cichlids with only two species. Both species are endemic to Lake Tanganyika, with C. frontosa being roughly confined to the northern half of the lake and C. gibberosa being roughly confined to the southern half of the lake. [more]
Cyprichromis
Cyprichromis is a genus of cichlids with five species. They are also known as the herring cichlids or sardine cichlids since they form large schools in the open water of Lake Tanganyika. Of the known species, only C. microlepidotus has been recorded outside Lake Tanganyika (in eastern Tanzania). [more]
Cyrtocara
Cyrtocara is a monotypic genus of cichlid fish. The single species, Cyrtocara moorii, is endemic to Lake Malawi in east Africa. The species is popular among aquarium keepers where it is known as the humphead cichlid, blue dolphin cichlid, Malawi dolphin or simply as moorii. [more]
Danakilia
Danakilia is a genus of cichlid fish containing two species, namely Danakilia franchettii from the saline Lake Afrera in Ethiopia, and Danakilia dinicolai from the saline in Eritrea. [more]
Dicrossus
Dicrossus is a genus of small cichlids fishes. They are native to rivers in the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. These cichlids have several dark spots on the side of their body (although very faint in some). Depending on the exact species, they typically only reach 4?7 centimetres (1.6?2.8 in) in length. [more]
Dimidiochromis
Dimidiochromis is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. All of its species are elongated in shape and predatory on smaller fishes. [more]
Diplotaxodon
Diplotaxodon is a small genus of seven formally described, as well as a number of undescribed, deep-water species of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Malawi in east Africa. These fishes represent a remarkable adaptive radiation of offshore and deep-water adapted fish descended from ancestral shallow water forms. They include the dominant zooplankton-feeding fish of the offshore and deep-water regions of the lake, as well as a number of larger species that appear to feed on small pelagic fishes. Adult sizes range from 10 to 30cm in total length, depending on species. [more]
Divandu
Divandu is a monotypic genus of cichlid fish. The single species, Divandu albimarginatus, is endemic to the Republic of Congo and Gabon in Africa. [more]
Docimodus
Docimodus is a small genus of cichlid fish endemic to east Africa. The genus contains two species; endemic to Lake Malawi, Lake Malombe and the upper reaches of the Shire River and Docimodus evelynae which is limited in its distribution to Lake Malawi. [more]
Eclectochromis
Eclectochromis is a small genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. [more]
Ectodus
Ectodus descampsii is a cichlid fish, the only member of its genus Ectodus. It is a small (ca. 10 cm | 4 in.) sand-sifting species endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. [more]
Enantiopus
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[4] [more]
Enigmatochromis
Eretmodus
Eretmodus is a monotypic genus of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The genus currently contains one species, Eretmodus cyanostictus. [more]
Etia
Etia is a genus of cichlid fish with only a single species, Etia nguti. This fairly small cichlid is endemic to Cameroon in Central Africa. It is one of the most singular Pseudocrenilabrinae; no really close relatives are known. [more]
Etroplus
Etroplus is a small genus of cichlids with only three species. The species are: Green chromide(Etroplus suratensis), Orange chromide(Etroplus maculatus) and Canara pearlspot(Etroplus canarensis). They are found in southern India and Sri Lanka, where they are the only native cichlids. [more]
Exochochromis
Exochochromis anagenys is a cichlid fish in the monotypic genus Exochochromis. This species is commonly known (particularly as an aquarium fish) as the Threespot Torpedo. [more]
Fossorochromis
Fossorochromis is a monotypic genus of cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, where it is found in the waters of Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania. The single species, Fossorochromis rostratus, is a large (> 20 cm| > 8 in), sexually dimorphic cichlid. [more]
Genyochromis
Genyochromis is a monotypic genus of cichlid fish. The single species, Genyochromis mento, is endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. [more]
Geophagus
Geophagus is a genus of cichlids from South America. The genus is currently polyphyletic and in need of further taxonomic revision. Some geophagine cichlids previously included in this genus have been reallocated to Gymnogeophagus or Satanoperca. Sensu stricto species include the true geophagines of very peaceful disposition usually with long fin extensions like the type species Geophagus altifrons. Sensu lato geophagines include the much more robust and aggressive species of the Geophagus brasiliensis complex. [more]
Gephyrochromis
Gephyrochromis is a small genus of cichlid fish. The genus contains two species; and Gephyrochromis moorii, both of which are endemic to Lake Malawi in east Africa. [more]
Gnathochromis
Gnathochromis is a small genus of sand sifting cichlid fish endemic to Lake Tanganyika in east Africa. The genus has only two described species. [more]
Gobiocichla
Gobiocichla is a small genus of cichlids with only two species. [more]
Grammatotria
Grammatotria lemairii is a species of fish in the cichlid family, and the only member of its genus. It is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species is occasionally kept as an aquarium fish. [more]
Greenwoodochromis
Greenwoodochromis is a small genus of cichlids with only two species. [more]
Guianacara
Guianacara is a small genus of cichlid fish endemic to South America. [more]
Gymnogeophagus
Gymnogeophagus is a genus of cichlid fishes from South America, where they found are known from various river basins in southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina. They are part of a group popularly known as eartheaters. [more]
Haplochromis
Haplochromis is a ray-finned fish genus in the family Cichlidae. It has been used as the default "wastebin taxon" for Pseudocrenilabrinae cichlids of the East African Rift, and as such became the "largest" fish "genus". Many of these cichlids are popular aquarium fishes; like similar Haplochromini they are known as "haplos", "happies" or "haps" among aquarium enthusiasts. [more]
Haplotaxodon
Haplotaxodon is a genus of in the Cichlidae family, endemic to Lake Tanganyika. [more]
Harpagochromis
Haplochromis is a ray-finned fish genus in the family Cichlidae. It has been used as the default "wastebin taxon" for Pseudocrenilabrinae cichlids of the East African Rift, and as such became the "largest" fish "genus". Many of these cichlids are popular aquarium fishes; like similar Haplochromini they are known as "haplos", "happies" or "haps" among aquarium enthusiasts. [more]
Hemibates
Hemibates stenosoma is a species of fish endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species is the only formally described representative of the genus Hemibates, with another yet undescribed species, namely Hemibates sp. "Stenosoma Chituta", and are part of family Cichlidae in subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae. [more]
Hemichromis
Hemichromis is a genus of fishes from the cichlid family, known in the aquarium trade as jewel cichlids. Jewel cichlids are native to Africa. Within West Africa, Hemichromis species are found in creeks, streams, rivers and lakes with a variety of water qualities including brackish water lagoons. [more]
Hemihaplochromis
Hemitaeniochromis
Hemitaeniochromis urotaenia is a species of fish endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The species is the only representative of the monotypic genus Hemitaeniochromis, and is part of family Cichlidae in subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae. [more]
Hemitilapia
Hemitilapia is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Herichthys
Herichthys is a small of cichlid fishes from North America and Central America. The genus currently contains ten formally described species. [more]
Heroina
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[5] [more]
Heros
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[6] [more]
Heterochromis
Heterochromis multidens is a species of fish from the family Cichlidae. It is the only member of its genus, and the only member of the subfamily Heterochromidinae. It is endemic to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa, and reaches almost 30 centimetres (12 in) in length. This species is likely more closely related to cichlids from the Americas rather than other African cichlids. [more]
Heterogramma
Heterotilapia
Hoplarchus
Hoplarchus psittacus is a species of cichlid fish endemic to the blackwater rivers in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela, including the Rio Negro, , Preto da Eva, Urubu rivers and upper Orinoco drainages. The species is the only member of the genus Hoplarchus. The species is occasionally kept as an aquarium fish and is traded under the common name "parrot cichlid" (a name also used for two other species). [more]
Hoplotilapia
Hoplotilapia retrodens is a species of fish endemic to Lake Victoria in East Africa. The species is the only representative of the monotypic genus Hoplotilapia, and is part of family Cichlidae in subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae. [more]
Hypselacara
Hypselecara
Hypselecara is a small genus of cichlid fish with only two species. They are native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. H. temporalis is a relatively common aquarium fish known in the aquarium trade as the chocolate cichild. [more]
Hypsophrys
Hypsophrys is a small genus of cichlid fishes from Central America. The genus currently contains 2 species. It originally contained just H. nicaraguensis but was revised in 2007 to include the poor man's tropheus, or neet, H. nematopus, which was formerly described as Neetroplus nematopus. [more]
Iodotropheus
Iodotropheus is a small genus of cichlid fishes endemic to Lake Malawi in east Africa. The genus is distinguished from other genera of mbuna by the upper lip which is usually connected medially to the skin of the snout by a frenum; by its small, terminal mouth; by the outer teeth of both jaws, which are unequally bicuspid and loosely spaced, the tooth shafts inclined slightly toward the jaw symphysis; by the anterior teeth of the upper jaw being much longer and more robust than the lateral and posterior teeth (Oliver & Arnegard 2010: 227). Iodotropheus currently includes three species. The rusty cichlid or lavender mbuna, Iodotropheus sprengerae is the most commonly encountered member of the genus in the aquarium trade. [more]
Julidochromis
Julidochromis is a genus of cichlids in the subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae. They are commonly called julies and are endemic to Lake Tanganyika in eastern Africa. This genus includes at least 5 species, each with a number of subspecies and local variants of uncertain taxonomic status. Further taxonomic work is required to determine how many species exist; the closely related Chalinochromis with two more species is sometimes included here and this may be correct. Hybridization makes attempts to determine relationships with molecular phylogenetic methods difficult. [more]
Konia
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[7] [more]
Krobia
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[8] [more]
Labeotropheus
Labeotropheus is a small genus of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Malawi in eastern Africa. It includes at least two species, each with a number of subspecies or races. Further taxonomic work is required to determine how many species exist. These cichlids are popular ornamental fish and are ideally suited to the cichlid aquarium. Like many Malawi cichlids, Labeotropheus species are algal grazers. [more]
Labidochromis
Labidochromis is a of fish endemic to Lake Malawi from the family Cichlidae. The genus includes 18 formally described species, and several undescribed species, which include a number of species commonly kept in cichlid aquariums such as L. caeruleus (Electric yellow). This genus can commonly crossbreed so it is recommended to only have one species from this genus. [more]
Laetacara
Laetacara is a small genus of five species of fish, endemic to soft, acidic freshwater habitats in South America. Laetacara is part of the family Cichlidae and is included in subfamily Cichlasomatinae. The genus is also collectively known as the smiling acaras. The range of the genus extends from the upper Orinoco river in Venezuela to the Paran? River in Paraguay. Like all cichlids, Laetacara species have well-developed brood care. [more]
Lamprologus
Lamprologus is a genus of fishes from the cichlid family. They are native to Lake Tanganyika and the Congo River Basin in Africa. The type species for this genus is Lamprologus congoensis, a species from the Congo River. The genus is under some revision and may eventually be restricted to these riverine types. There are currently nineteen species included in the genus. [more]
Lepidiolamprologus
Lepidiolamprologus is a small genus of cichlids endemic to Lake Tanganyika in eastern Africa. It is closely related to Altolamprologus. [more]
Leptochromis
Lestrada
Lestradea
Lestradea is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Lethrinops
Lethrinops is a genus of in the Cichlidae family endemic to Lake Malawi. It contains the following species: [more]
Limnochromis
Limnochromis is a small genus of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Tanganyika in east Africa. The genus has only three described species. [more]
Limnotilapia
Limnotilapia is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Lipochromis
Haplochromis is a ray-finned fish genus in the family Cichlidae. It has been used as the default "wastebin taxon" for Pseudocrenilabrinae cichlids of the East African Rift, and as such became the "largest" fish "genus". Many of these cichlids are popular aquarium fishes; like similar Haplochromini they are known as "haplos", "happies" or "haps" among aquarium enthusiasts. [more]
Lithochromis
Lithochromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Lobochilotes
Lobochilotes is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Macropleurodes
Maravichromis
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[9] [more]
Maylandia
Maylandia or Metriaclima is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. They belong to the mbuna (rock-dwelling) haplochromines. [more]
Mchenga
Melanochromis
Melanochromis is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in Eastern Africa. It was established by Ethylwynn Trewavas in 1935. Ecologically, they belong to the rock-dwelling mbuna cichlids of Lake Malawi. [more]
Mesonauta
Mesonauta is a small genus of six species of fish, endemic to soft, acidic freshwater habitats in South America. Mesonauta is part of the family Cichlidae and is included in subfamily Cichlasomatinae. Some species, particularly Mesonauta festivus, are popular in the fishkeeping hobby and are frequently kept in aquariums. [more]
Mesops
Microgeophagus
Microgeophagus (Mikrogeophagus or Papiliochromis are often used instead, but both are junior synonym) is a genus of small cichlids that only includes two species: M. ramirezi and M. altispinosa. Both species are popular with aquarists, especially M. ramirezi. They are native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. [more]
Mikrogeophagus
Microgeophagus (Mikrogeophagus or Papiliochromis are often used instead, but both are junior synonym) is a genus of small cichlids that only includes two species: M. ramirezi and M. altispinosa. Both species are popular with aquarists, especially M. ramirezi. They are native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. [more]
Myaka
Myaka is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Mylochromis
Mylochromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Nannacara
Nannacara is a genus of small freshwater cichlid fish endemic to South America. The genus is part of the Cichlasomatini tribe of the Cichlasomatinae subfamily. In the aquarium hobby, the fish is considered a dwarf cichlid along with Apistogramma, Mikrogeophagus, and Dicrossus species. The genus currently includes 6 recognized species, with Nannacara anomala the most common in the aquarium trade. [more]
Nanochromis
Nanochromis is a genus of cichlids containing eight described species. These small fishes are endemic to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa. [more]
Neetroplus
The poor man's tropheus, Hypsophrys nematopus, formerly Neetroplus nematopus, is a species of fish in the family Cichlidae. It was formerly the only species in the genus Neetroplus, but in 2007 was reclassified into the genus Hypsophrys. It is a small-medium sized cichlid growing to a length of 12 cm. It occurs in Central America in , Lake Managua, Lake Masaya and Lake Nicaragua and in riverine habitats on the Atlantic coasts of Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Like most Central American cichlids the species is commonly found in hard, alkaline (pH 7.5) water. Its diet consists of algae and plant material which it scrapes from rocks and other hard surfaces in a fashion similar to algal grazing cichlids of Lake Malawi, Africa. Some populations are reportedly involved in cleaning other fish of parasites. Like all cichlids, brood care is highly developed with both parents involved in fry raising. coloration changes dramatically (see picture below) while breeding. [more]
Neochromis
Neochromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Neolamprologus
Neolamprologus is a genus of cichlid fishes endemic to eastern Africa with all but one species occurring in Lake Tanganyika. It is the largest genus of cichlids in Lake Tanganyika and also the largest genus in the tribe Lamprologini, which includes Altolamprologus, Chalinochromis, Julidochromis, Lamprologus, Lepidiolamprologus, Telmatochromis and Variabilichromis. The latter is a monotypic genus doubtfully distinct from Neolamprologus. [more]
Nimbochromis
Nimbochromis is a small genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. They are known as sleeper cichlids or (in Chichewa) kaligono ("sleepers"), due to their unique hunting behaviour. [more]
Nyassachromis
Nyassachromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Ophthalmotilapia
Ophthalmotilapia is a small genus of four cichlid species endemic to Lake Tanganyika in east Africa. [more]
Oreochromis
Oreochromis is a large genus of tilapiine cichlids, fishes endemic to Africa and the Middle East. Several species from this genus have been introduced far outside their native range, and are important in aquaculture. Members of this genus, as well as those of the genera Tilapia and Sarotherodon, share the common name "tilapia". [more]
Orthochromis
Orthochromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Otopharynx
Otopharynx is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in Eastern Africa. [more]
Oxylapia
Oxylapia is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Papiliochromis
Microgeophagus (Mikrogeophagus or Papiliochromis are often used instead, but both are junior synonym) is a genus of small cichlids that only includes two species: M. ramirezi and M. altispinosa. Both species are popular with aquarists, especially M. ramirezi. They are native to the Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America. [more]
Papiliochromus
Parachromis
Parachromis is a genus of freshwater fishes from the family Cichlidae. The genus contains 5 species and is limited in its distribution to Central America. Some species occur in Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua. All species are predatory and relatively large for cichlids. [more]
Paracyprichromis
Paracyprichromis is a small genus of cichlids with only two species. The genus is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in east Africa. [more]
Paralabidochromis
Paralabidochromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Paraneetroplus
Paraneetroplus is a small genus of cichlids with only three species. They are endemic to rivers on the Atlantic slope in Mexico. [more]
Parapetenia
Paratheraps
Paratilapia
Paratilapia is a genus of cichlids with only two known species. They are found only in Madagascar. [more]
Paretroplus
Paretroplus is a genus of in the Cichlidae family, all of which are endemic to lakes and rivers of Madagascar. [more]
Pelmatochromis
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[10] [more]
Pelvicachromis
The genus Pelvicachromis includes a range of small (7.5 - 10 cm), brightly colored cichlids which occur in tropical West Africa and Central Africa. They typically inhabit soft, acidic water (pH 5.0 - 7.0). [more]
Perissodus
Perissodus is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Petenia
Petenia is a monotypic cichlid genus. The single species, Petenia splendida, is a large (50 cm) predatory fish that occurs in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. [more]
Petrochromis
Petrochromis is a small genus of seven formally described cichlid species, and at least 7 undescribed species, all endemic to Lake Tanganyika in east Africa. [more]
Petrotilapia
Petrotilapia is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Placidochromis
Placidochromis is a genus of cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in Eastern Africa. They are part of the haplochromine lineage of Lake Malawi's cichlid taxa. Most Placidochromis species live in the open or sandy regions of the lake. [more]
Platytaeniodus
Platytaeniodus is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Prognathochromis
Haplochromis is a ray-finned fish genus in the family Cichlidae. It has been used as the default "wastebin taxon" for Pseudocrenilabrinae cichlids of the East African Rift, and as such became the "largest" fish "genus". Many of these cichlids are popular aquarium fishes; like similar Haplochromini they are known as "haplos", "happies" or "haps" among aquarium enthusiasts. [more]
Protomelas
Protomelas is a genus endemic to Lake Malawi in Eastern Africa. The genus is part of the Haplochromine flock and show maternal mouthbrooding and sexual dimorphism typical of this group. The genus currently includes 16 species. Popular in the aquarium hobby, Promelas sp. are sold under a variety of trade names. [more]
Pseudocrenilabrus
Pseudocrenilabrus is a small genus of haplochromine cichlids that are endemic to rivers and lakes in Central and Eastern Africa. These are small cichlids that, as suggested by the common names of the individual species, are mouthbrooders. [more]
Pseudotropheus
Pseudotropheus is a genus of rock dwelling (Mbuna) cichlids found in Lake Malawi. Like some other large cichlid genera, such as Cichlasoma, a number of related fishes have been recently re-assigned to different genera such as Tropheops or Maylandia (see also: Metriaclima). Mbuna literally means "rockdweller" and this description accurately depicts the lifestyle of these cichlids which mostly live in rocky areas. Most Pseudotrophine cichlids are algal grazers in the wild. [more]
Pterophyllum
Pterophyllum is a small genus of freshwater fish from the family Cichlidae known to most aquarists as "Angelfish". All Pterophyllum species originate from the Amazon River, Orinoco River and Essequibo River basins in tropical South America. The three species of Pterophyllum are unusually shaped for cichlids being greatly laterally compressed, with round bodies and elongated triangular dorsal and anal fins. This body shape allows them to hide among roots and plants, often on a vertical surface. Naturally occurring angelfish are frequently striped longitudinally, coloration which provides additional camouflage. Angelfish are ambush predators and prey on small fish and macroinvertebrates. All Pterophyllum species form monogamous pairs. Eggs are generally laid on a submerged log or a flattened leaf. As is the case for other cichlids, brood care is highly developed. [more]
Ptychochromis
Ptychochromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Ptychochromoides
Ptychochromoides is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Ptyochromis
Haplochromis is a ray-finned fish genus in the family Cichlidae. It has been used as the default "wastebin taxon" for Pseudocrenilabrinae cichlids of the East African Rift, and as such became the "largest" fish "genus". Many of these cichlids are popular aquarium fishes; like similar Haplochromini they are known as "haplos", "happies" or "haps" among aquarium enthusiasts. [more]
Pundamilia
Pundamilia is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Pungu
The pungu (Pungu maclareni) is a species of in the Cichlidae family. It is endemic to the Crater Lake Barombi Mbo, in western Cameroon. [more]
Pyxichromis
Pyxichromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Retroculus
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[11] [more]
Rhamphochromis
Rhamphochromis is a genus of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. The genus contains numerous species all of which are latterally compressed pursuit predators. [more]
Rocio
Sargochromis
Sarotherodon
Sarotherodon is a genus of tilapiine cichlids, fishes endemic to Africa and the Middle East. A few species from this genus have been introduced far outside their native range, and are important in aquaculture. They mainly inhabit fresh and brackish water, but a few can live in salt water (at least for a period). Members of this genus, as well as those of the genera Tilapia and Oreochromis, share the common name "tilapia". [more]
Satanoperca
Satanoperca is a small genus of cichlid fishes from South America, where they are known from the Orinoco, Essequibo, Nickerie, Amazon, Paran? and Paraguay river basins. They are part of a group popularly known as eartheaters. [more]
Schubotzia
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[12] [more]
Schwetzochromis
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia.[13] [more]
Sciaenochromis
Sciaenochromis is a genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. It includes at least 4 species. The species are popular in the aquarium hobby, most notably S. fryeri. [more]
Serranochromis
Serranochromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Simochromis
Simochromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Steatocranus
Steatocranus (, 1899) is a small genus of rheophilic cichlid fish primarily endemic to the Congo River in West Africa, although one species, Steatocranus irvinei, is found in Ghana. The genus currently includes 9 formally described species, and at least 7 undescribed species, all of which have relatively reduced swim bladder function. The name Steatocranus refers to the fatty deposit on the forehead of most species. Two species, Steatocranus casuarius (also known as the lionhead, blockhead or humphead) and Steatocranus tinanti are relatively common in the aquarium trade. As for other cichlids brood care is highly developed and both sexes are involved in raising the young. All Steatocranus species are secretive cave spawners and form monogamous pairs for breeding. The female is more actively involved in fry raising, while the male is primarily concerned with territorial defence. [more]
Stomatepia
Stomatepia is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Symphysodon
Discus (Symphysodon spp.) are a genus of three species of cichlid freshwater fishes native to the Amazon River basin. Discus are popular as aquarium fish and their aquaculture in several countries in Asia is a major industry. [more]
Taeniochromis
Taeniochromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Taeniolethrinops
Taeniolethrinops is a small genus of haplochromine cichlids endemic to East Africa. [more]
Teleogramma
Teleogramma is an African genus of cichlids with only four species. These dark and slender fishes barely reach 10 centimetres (3.9 in) in length, and are restricted to rapids in the Congo River in DR Congo/Congo Brazzaville. [more]
Telmatochromis
Telmatochromis is a small cichlid genus of the subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae. These ray-finned fishes are endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. [more]
Theraps
Theraps is a small fish genus from the cichlidae family. They are endemic to Central America, ranging from Mexico to Panama. Several Theraps sp. have been found across the southern United States as invasive species. [more]
Thoracochromis
Thoracochromis is a fish genus of haplochromine cichlids that are endemic to Africa. Most species are from rivers in Angola and Namibia, or the Congo River Basin in Central Africa, but one (T. wingatii) is from the Nile. 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. [more]
Thorichthys
A Genus in the Kingdom Animalia. [more]
Tilapia
Tilapia ( ti-LAH-pee-?), is the common name for nearly a hundred species of cichlid fish from the tilapiine cichlid tribe. Tilapia inhabit a variety of fresh water habitats, including shallow streams, ponds, rivers and lakes. Historically, they have been of major importance in artisan fishing in Africa and the Levant, and are of increasing importance in aquaculture. Tilapia can become problematic invasive species in new warm-water habitats, whether deliberately or accidentally introduced, but generally not in temperate climates due to their inability to survive in cool waters, generally below 70 ?F (21 ?C). (See tilapia as exotic species). [more]
Tomocichla
Tramitichromis
Tramitichromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Tramitochromis
Trematocara
Trematocara is a genus of in the Cichlidae family endemic to Lake Tanganyika. [more]
Triglachromis
Triglachromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Tristramella
Tristramella is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Tropheops
Pseudotropheus is a of rock dwelling (Mbuna) cichlids found in Lake Malawi. Like some other large cichlid genera, such as Cichlasoma, a number of related fishes have been recently re-assigned to different genera such as Tropheops or Maylandia (see also: Metriaclima). Mbuna literally means "rockdweller" and this description accurately depicts the lifestyle of these cichlids which mostly live in rocky areas. Most Pseudotrophine cichlids are algal grazers in the wild. [more]
Tropheus
Tropheus is a small genus of six species of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The genus Tropheus is widespread across all regions of lake Tanganyika, from Burundi in the North to Zambia in the South.Males and females are relatively similar but do display obvious sexual dimorphism. Males attain a somewhat larger size. All species maternally mouthbrood their eggs and fry and it is this characteristic that provides their latin name. Tropheus comes from the Greek "trophos" which means "to nurture". The genus is fished lightly by the local population but has never become a staple food fish due to its relatively small size and its habitat which enables it to dart between rocks when threatened. [more]
Tylochromis
Tylochromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family comprising 18 species, all endemic to the African continent. [more]
Tyrannochromis
Tyrannochromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It contains the following species: [more]
Uaru
Uaru is a small genus of cichlid fishes with only two species. The name Uaru comes from the Amazon word for toad. The genus occurs in blackwater and whitewater habitats in the upper Orinoco and Rio Negro rivers of the Amazon basin. U. amphiacanthoides is frequently available as a food fish in Brazil and is popular with cichlid-keeping aquarists. [more]
Vieja
Vieja is a genus of fish from the family Cichlidae. The geographic distribution of the genus is limited to Central America, primarily Mexico, Guatemala and Nicaragua. In general Vieja are high bodied cichlids which grow to between 15-35 cm (6 - 13.8 inches). There are 16 species of Vieja currently described. The classification of several species of Vieja are in dispute, several are sometimes listed as part of the genus Theraps. Further investigation including dna studies is expected to clarify the taxonomy over the next few years. [more]
Xenotilapia
Xenotilapia is a genus of 13 cichlid species endemic to Lake Tanganyika in east Africa. [more]
Xystichromis
Haplochromis is a ray-finned fish genus in the family Cichlidae. It has been used as the default "wastebin taxon" for Pseudocrenilabrinae cichlids of the East African Rift, and as such became the "largest" fish "genus". Many of these cichlids are popular aquarium fishes; like similar Haplochromini they are known as "haplos", "happies" or "haps" among aquarium enthusiasts. [more]
Yssichromis
Yssichromis is a genus of in the Cichlidae family. It is usually included in Haplochromis today, at least until this large genus can be properly split up. [more]
At least 9 species and subspecies belong to the Genus Yssichromis.
More info about the Genus Yssichromis may be found here.
References
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- ^ a b c d Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2012). "Cichlidae" in FishBase. Feb 2012 version.
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- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Loiselle, P.V. (1994). The Cichlid Aquarium. Tetra Press. ISBN 1-56465-146-0.
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- ^ Reid, G. M. (December 1990). "Captive breeding for the conservation of cichlid fishes" (fee required). Journal of Fish Biology 37: 157. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.1990.tb05031.x. http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1095-8649.1990.tb05031.x?journalCode=jfb.
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- ^ Phylogeny of major groups of cichlids
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- ^ Stiassny, 1991
- ^ maximum-parsimony bootstrap consensus trees and majority-rule trees and other similar phylogenetic trees
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- ^ University of Southern Mississippi/College of Marine Sciences/Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (2005-08-03). "Fact Sheet for Tilapia zilli (Gervais, 1848)". Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission. http://nis.gsmfc.org/nis_factsheet2.php?toc_id=200. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
- ^ Fuller, Pam L.; Leo G. Nico (2002-10-11). "Nonindigenous Fishes of Florida - With a Focus on South Florida". U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Coastal Geology. http://s ofia.usgs.gov/sfrsf/rooms/species/invasive/focus/. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2006). "Alticorpus macrocleithrum" in FishBase. April 2006 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2006). "Pallidochromis tokolosh" in FishBase. April 2006 version.
- ^ Norlander, Britt (April 20, 2009). Rough waters: one of the world's most turbulent rivers is home to a wide array of fish species. Now, large dams are threatening their future. Science World
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- ^ Sparks, J. S. (2008). Phylogeny of the Cichlid Subfamily Etroplinae and Taxonomic Revision of the Malagasy Cichlid Genus Paretroplus (Teleostei: Cichlidae). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History Number 314: 1-151
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2011). "Etroplus maculatus" in FishBase. July 2011 version.
- ^ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2011). "Etroplus suratensis" in FishBase. July 2011 version.
- ^ a b< /b> Ribbink, A.J.; Lewis, D.S.C. (1982). "Melanochromis crabro sp. nov.: a cichlid fish from Lake Malawi which feeds on ectoparasites and catfish eggs". Netherlands Journal of Zoology 32 (1): 72?87. doi:10.1163/002829682X00058. .
- ^ Oliver, M.K. (1999-11-18). "Rhamphochromis esox". malawicichlids.com: The Cichlid Fishes of Lake Malawi. http://malawicichlids.com/mw08096.htm. Retrieved 2007-04-19.
- ^ McKaye, K.R.; Kocher, T. (1983). "Head ramming behaviour by three paedophagous cichlids in Lake Malawi, Africa". Animal Behaviour 31: 206. doi:10.1016/S000 3-3472(83)80190-0.
- ^ Wilhelm, W. (1980). "The disputed feeding behavior of a paedophagous haplochromine cichlid (Pisces) observed and discussed". Behaviour 74 (3): 310. doi:10.1163/156853980X00528.
- ^ Konings, A. (2007). "Paedophagy in Malawi cichlids". Cichlid News 16: 28?32.
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- ^ Eccles, D.H.; D.S.C. Lewis (1976). "A taxonomic study of the genus Docimodus Boulenger (Pisces, Cichlidae) a group of fishes with unu sual feeding habits from Lake Malawi". Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 58 (2): 165?172. doi:10.1111/j.1096-3642.1976.tb00826.x.
- ^ Nshombo, M. (1991). "Occasional egg-eating by the scale-eater Plecodus straeleni (Cichlidae) of Lake Tanganyika". Environmental Biology of Fishes 31 (2): 207?212. doi:10.1007/BF00001022.
- ^ Tobler, M. (2005). "Feigning death in the Central American cichlid Parachromis friedrichsthalii". Journal of Fish Biology 66 (3): 877. doi:10.1111/j.0022-1112.2005.00648.x.
- ^ McKaye, K.R. ( 1981). "Field observation on death feigning: a unique hunting behavior by the predatory cichlid, Haplochromis livingstoni, of Lake Malawi". Environmental Biology of Fishes 6 (3?4): 361?365. doi:10.1007/BF00005766.
- ^ McKaye, K.R.; N.M. McKaye (1977). "Communal Care and Kidnapping of Young by Parental Cichlids". Evolution 31 (3): 674?681. doi:10.2307/2407533. JSTOR 2407533.
- ^ Ward, J.A.; R.L. Wyman (1977). "Ethology and ecology of cichlid fishes of the genus Etroplus in Sri Lanka: preliminary findings". Environmental Biology of Fishes 2 (2): 137?145. doi:10.1007/BF00005369.& #160;
- ^ Ribbink, A.J.; A.C. Marsh, and B.A. Marsh (1981). "Nest-building and communal care of young by Tilapia rendalli dumeril (pisces, cichlidae) in Lake Malawi". Environmental Biology of Fishes 6 (2): 219?222. doi:10.1007/BF00002787.
- ^ Steeves, Greg. Neolamprologus brichardi. africancichlids.net. Accessed 2008-04-08
- ^ a b c d e f g h Riehl, R?diger. Editor.; Baensch, HA (1996. 5th Edn.). Aquarium Atlas. Germany: Tetra Press. ISBN 3-88244-050-3.
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- ^ a b c d e Keenleyside, M.H.A. (1991). "Parental Ca re". Cichlid Fishes: behaviour, ecology and evolution. London: Chapman and Hall. pp. 191?208. ISBN 0-412-32200-5.
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Footnotes
- http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=176183
- http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=176491
- http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=176600
- http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=115716
- http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=116104
- http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=116105
- http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=116301
- http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=116309
- http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=116565
- http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=117167
- http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=117595
- http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=117742
- http://www.ubio.org/browser/details.php?namebankID=117746
Further Reading
- Barlow, G. W. (2000). The Cichlid fishes. Cambridge MA: Perseus Publishing.
- "Cichlidae". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=169770. : National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., 2004-05-11).
External links
- Cichlid at the Open Directory Project
- The Cichlid Fishes of Lake Malawi by Dr. Michael Oliver.
- Vision in Cichlids: Ecomorphology of vision in haplochrom ine cichlids of Lake Victoria by Dr. H.J. van der Meer.
Sources
- The text on this page is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It includes material from Wikipedia retrieved Wednesday, April 25, 2012.
- The distribution map on the Distribution tab comes from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility and is used with permission.
- Photographs on this page are copyrighted by individual photographers, and individual copyrights apply.
- The technology underlying this page, including the controls behind Keep Exploring, is owned by the BayScience Foundation. All rights are reserved.