Cichlid
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{{Taxobox
| name = Cichlids
| image = Freshwater angelfish biodome.jpg
| image_width = 240px
| image_caption = Common freshwater angelfish,<br/>''[[Pterophyllum scalare]]''
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| phylum = [[Chordata]]
| classis = [[Actinopterygii]]
| ordo = [[Perciformes]]
| familia = '''Cichlidae'''
| subdivision_ranks = [[Subfamilies]]
| subdivision =
[[Astronotinae]]<br/>
[[Cichlasomatinae]]<br/>
[[Cichlinae]]<br/>
[[Etroplinae]]<br/><!-- MolPhylEvol30:599 -->
[[Geophaginae]]<br/>
[[Heterochromidinae]]<br/>
[[Paratilapiinae]]<br/><!-- see Paratilapia; reference needed: Tawil, Patrick (2001) -->
[[Pseudocrenilabrinae]]<br/>
[[Ptychochrominae]]<br/><!-- MolPhylEvol30:599 -->
[[Retroculinae]]<br/>
For [[genus|genera]], see [[#Genera|below]].
}}
'''Cichlids''' ({{pronEng|ˈsɪkl<s>ɪ</s>d}}) are [[fishes]] from the [[family (biology)|family]] '''Cichlidae''' in the order [[Perciformes]]. The family Cichlidae, a major family of perciform fish, is both large and diverse. There are at least 1300 [[Binomial nomenclature|scientifically described]] species,<ref name="fishbase_CS">{{FishBase family|family=Cichlidae|year=2006|month=Nov}}</ref> making it one of the three largest [[vertebrate]] families. Numerous new species are discovered annually, and many species remain undescribed. The actual number of species is therefore unclear, with estimates varying between 1300 and 3000 species,<ref>{{cite book|author = Stiassny, M., G. G. Teugels & C. D. Hopkins|title = The Fresh and Brackish Water Fishes of Lower Guinea, West-Central Africa - Vol. 2|publisher = Musée Royal de l'Afrique Centrale|pages = pp. 269| year = 2007| isbn= 9789074752213}}</ref> and one source suggesting 1900 species.<ref name="Kullander">{{cite book|last=Kullander|first=S.O.|year=1998| chapter=A phylogeny and classification of the South American Cichlidae (Teleostei: Perciformes)|pages = pp. 461-498 |editor = L.R. Malabarba, R.E. Reis, R.P. Vari, Z.M. Lucena and C.A.S. Lucena (eds.)| title=Phylogeny and classification of neotropical fishes| location= Porto Alegre |publisher = EDIPUCRS | isbn = 978-8574300351 }}</ref> Cichlids span a wide range of body sizes, from species as small as 2.5 [[centimetre]]s (1.0 [[inch|in]]) in length (e.g. female ''[[Neolamprologus multifasciatus]]'' ) to much larger species approaching 1 [[metre]] (3 [[foot (length)|ft]]) in length (e.g. ''[[Boulengerochromis]]'' and ''[[Cichla]]''). As a group, cichlids exhibit a similarly wide diversity of body shapes, ranging from strongly laterally compressed species (such as ''[[Altolamprologus]]'', ''[[Pterophyllum]]'', and ''[[Symphysodon]]'') through to species that are cylindrical and highly elongate (such as ''[[Julidochromis]]'', ''[[Teleogramma]]'', ''[[Teleocichla]]'', ''[[Crenicichla]]'', and ''[[Gobiocichla]]'').<ref name="Loiselle">{{cite book|last = Loiselle |first = P.V.| year = 1994| title = The Cichlid Aquarium | publisher = Tetra Press| isbn = 1-56465-146-0}}</ref> Generally, however, cichlids tend to be of medium size, ovate in shape and slightly laterally compressed, and generally very similar to the North American [[Centrarchidae|sunfishes]] in terms of morphology, behaviour, and ecology.<ref name="Helfman">{{cite book|author = Helfman G., Collette B., & Facey D.|title = The Diversity of Fishes|publisher = Blackwell Publishing, Inc.|pages = pp. 256-257| year = 1997| isbn= 0-86542-256-7}}</ref>
Many cichlids, particularly the [[tilapia]]s, are important food fishes, while others are valued game fish (eg. ''[[Cichla]]'' species). Many species, including the [[freshwater angelfish|angelfish]], [[Astronotus ocellatus|oscars]], and [[Symphysodon|discus]], are also highly valued in the [[aquarium]] trade.<ref name="Loiselle"/><ref name="Chapman">{{cite paper|author = Chapman, F. A.| title = Culture of Hybrid Tilapia: A Reference Profile | publisher = University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences | version = Circular 1051 |date=1992| url = http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FA/FA01200.pdf|format = PDF}}</ref> Cichlids are also the family of vertebrates with the largest number of [[endangered species]], most of these found in the [[haplochromine]] group.<ref name="Reid">{{cite journal|last = Reid |first = G. M. | title= Captive breeding for the conservation of cichlid fishes| journal = Journal of Fish Biology| volume = 37 | pages = 157 | year = 1990 |month = December| doi= 10.1111/j.1095-8649.1990.tb05031.x | url = http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1095-8649.1990.tb05031.x?journalCode=jfb | format = fee required}}</ref> Cichlids are particularly well known for having [[Adaptive radiation|evolved rapidly]] into a large number of [[Species flock|closely related but morphologically diverse species]] within large lakes, particularly [[Lake Tanganyika|Tanganyika]], [[Lake Victoria|Victoria]], [[Lake Malawi|Malawi]], and [[Lake Edward|Edward]].<ref name="Salzburger">{{cite journal | author = Salzburger W., Mack T., Verheyen E., Meyer A.|year = 2005 | title = Out of Tanganyika: Genesis, explosive speciation, key-innovations and phylogeography of the haplochromine cichlid fishes | journal = BMC Evolutionary Biology | volume = 5 | number = 17 | url = http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2148-5-17.pdf | format = PDF | doi = 10.1186/1471-2148-5-17 | pages = 17}}</ref><ref name="Snoeks">{{cite book | author = Snoeks, J. (ed.) | year = 2004 | title = The cichlid diversity of Lake Malawi/Nyasa/Niassa: identification, distribution and taxonomy | publisher = Cichlid Press | isbn = 0-9668255-8-6}}</ref> The diversity of cichlids in the African Great Lakes is important for the study of speciation in evolution.<ref name = "Kornfield">{{cite journal | author = Kornfield, Irv | coauthors = Smith, Peter| url = http://arjournals.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.31.1.163 | title = African Cichlid Fishes: Model Systems for Evolutionary Biology| journal = Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics | volume = 31 | pages = 163 | month = November | year = 2000 | doi= 10.1146/annurev.ecolsys.31.1.163}}</ref> Many cichlids that have been accidentally or deliberately [[Introduced species|released]] into freshwaters outside of their natural range have become nuisance species, for example [[tilapia]] in the southern United States.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://nis.gsmfc.org/nis_factsheet2.php?toc_id=195 |title=Fact sheet for ''Oreochromis mossambicus'' (Peters, 1852)|author=Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission|publisher=Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission|accessdate=2006-10-20}}</ref>
==Anatomy and appearance==
[[Image:Labroidei relationships.png|right|260px|thumb|Relationships within the Labrodei.<ref name="Stiassny">{{cite journal|author = Stiassny, M.L.J. |coauthors = Jensen, J.S. | year = 1987 | title = Labroid intrarelationships revisited: morphological complexity, key innovations, and the study of comparative diversity | journal = Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University | volume = 151 | pages = pp. 269–319}}</ref>]]
Cichlids are members of a group of [[perciform]] fish known as the [[Labroidei]] alongside the wrasses [[Labridae]], damselfish [[Pomacentridae]], and surfperches [[Embiotocidae]].<ref name="Stiassny"/> This very large grouping shares a single key trait: the fusion of the lower pharyngeal 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 labour between the "true jaws" ([[mandibles]]) and the "pharyngeal jaws". Cichlids in particular have evolved to be very efficient feeders that are able to capture and process a very wide variety of food items and this is assumed to be one reason why they are so diverse (see section on [[Cichlid#Diet|diet]] below).<ref name="Loiselle"/> Cichlids have a great variability in body shape, ranging from compressed and disc-shaped (such as ''[[Symphysodon]]'') to elongate and cylindrical (such as ''[[Crenicichla]]''
).<ref name="Nelson">{{cite book | title = Fishes of the World | last = Nelson | first = Joseph, S. | publisher = John Wiley & Sons, Inc. | year = 2006 | isbn = 0471250317}}</ref>
The particular features of cichlids that distinguish them from the other Labroidei include:<ref name="fishbase_CS"/>
*A single nostril on each side of the forehead instead of two.
*No bony shelf below the orbit of the eye.
*The [[lateral line]] organ is divided 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]] leaves the [[stomach]] from its left side, not from its right side as in other Labroidei.
==Taxonomy==
Kullander (1998) recognises eight [[subfamily|subfamilies]] of cichlids: the [[Astronotinae]], [[Cichlasomatinae]], [[Cichlinae]], [[Etroplinae]], [[Geophaginae]], [[Heterochromidinae]], [[Pseudocrenilabrinae]] and [[Retroculinae]].<ref name="Kullander"/> Nelson (2006), however, indicates that cichlid taxonomy is still greatly debated, and despite these attempts, classification of [[genus|genera]] cannot yet be accurately given.<ref name="Nelson"/> A comprehensive system of assigning [[species]] to [[monophyly|monophyletic]] genera is still lacking, and there is not complete agreement on what genera should be recognized in this family.<ref name="Nelson"/>
As an example of the extant problems in Cichlid taxonomy, Kullander published a phylogeny of the Cichlidae ([http://www2.nrm.se/ve/pisces/acara/cichphyl.shtml details of which can be found here]) in which the African genus ''Heterochromis'' ended up being placed phylogenetically within [[Neotropical]] Cichlds, although later papers arrived at different conclusions. Other extant problems (mentioned in the following paragraph) centre upon the identity of the putative common ancestor for the Lake Victoria superflock, and the precise ancestral lineages of the Tanganyikan Cichlids. However, the research is active and intensive (see below for just two of ''many'' recent papers), with new papers expected in the immediate future that may resolve some of the outstanding questions.
The paper ''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 [http://mbe.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/reprint/15/7/798.pdf here]) provides comparisons between the phylogeny (due to Stiassny, 1991) as determined using morphological characteristics, and two maximum-pasrimony bootstrap consensus trees based upon analyses of two different gene loci, along with majority-rule trees and other similar phylogenetic trees based upon assorted gene locus analyses. There are some extant differences between the assorted trees at the genus level that require resolution, though the consensus from the various nuclear and mitochondrial DNA analyses in this and other papers is that the Cichlidae as a family is monophyletic. 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 [http://www.evolutionsbiologie.uni-konstanz.de/pdf1-182/P162.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.
One problem that resulted in a major upheaval of Cichlid taxonomy was highlighted by Dr Humphrey 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). Dentition (characteristics of tooth shape and arrangement) had been used prior to this date as classifying characteristics, which Greenwood demonstrated was invalid upon phylogenetic grounds because in many Cichlid species, dentition is an environmentally plastic characteristic (tooth shape changes in numerous species with age, due to wear etc), and cannot be relied upon universally across the family as a diagnostic characteristic upon which to base phylogenetic judgements. It is in the light of this that Cichlid taxonomy has undergone major revisions in the 30-plus years since, with the advent of genome sequencing and other technologies adding to the ever-growing body of data resulting in the still-fluid state of Cichlid taxonomy at the genus level.
==Range and habitat==
[[Image:Tilapia mariae Australia.jpg|thumb|left|210px|''[[Tilapia mariae]]'', caught on a hook and line, in [[Australia]]. Originally from Africa, the species established feral populations in Australia.<ref name="Koehn">{{cite journal| author = Koehn, J.D.| coauthors = MacKenzie, R.F. | year = 2004| title = Priority management actions for alien freshwater fish species in Australia | journal = New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research | volume = 38| pages = pp. 457–472 | url = http://www.rsnz.org/publish/nzjmfr/2004/041.pdf | format = PDF | accessdate = 2007-04-19}}</ref>]]
Cichlids are the most species-rich non-[[Ostariophysi|Ostariophysan]] family in [[freshwater]]s worldwide. They are mainly freshwater fish that are most diverse in [[Africa]] and [[South America]]. It is estimated that there will be at least 1600 species in Africa alone when all are discovered and described.<ref name="Nelson"/> Substantial numbers are also found in [[Central America]] from Panama to the Mexican portion of North America, with approximately 120 species, as far north as the [[Rio Grande]] in southern [[Texas]], and [[Madagascar]] has its own distinctive fauna of cichlids [[phylogeny|phylogenetically]] only distantly related to those on the African mainland.<ref name="fishbase_CS"/><ref name="Boruchowitz">{{cite book|last=Boruchowitz|first=D. E.|year=2006| title=Guide to Cichlids| publisher=T.F.H. Publications| id=ISBN 0-7938-0584-8}}</ref> [[Endemism|Endemic]] cichlids are largely absent in [[Asia]] except for four species in the [[Jordan Valley]] in the [[Middle East]], one in [[Iran]], and three in [[India]] and [[Sri Lanka]].<ref name="Nelson"/> There are three species found in [[Cuba]] and [[Hispaniola]]. Europe, Australia, Antarctica, and North America north of the Rio Grande River drainage, do not have any native cichlids, although where environmental conditions are suitable, for example in Florida, Mexico (which also has several native species), Japan and northern Australia, feral populations of cichlids have become established as [[invasive species|exotics]].<ref name="abc.net.au">{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/farnorth/stories/s1313845.htm|title=Tilapia :: Far North Queensland|author=ABC Far North Queensland|accessdate=2007-04-19}}</ref><ref name="Koehn"/><ref name="fishbase_convicts">{{cite web|url=http://filaman.uni-kiel.de/Summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=3615|title=''Archocentrus nigrofasciatus'', Convict cichlid|author=Froese, R. and D. Pauly. Editors.|publisher=FishBase|accessdate=2007-03-29}}</ref><ref name="Yamamoto">{{cite book | author = Yamamoto, M.N.| coauthors = Tagawa, A.W.| year = 2000| title = Hawai'i's native and exotic freshwater animals | publisher = Mutual Publishing | location = Honolulu, Hawaii | pages = p. 200}}</ref><ref name="Page">{{cite book | author = Page, L.M. | coauthors = Burr, B.M. | year = 1991| title = A field guide to freshwater fishes of North America north of Mexico| publisher = Houghton Mifflin Company | location = Boston | pages = p. 432}}</ref><ref name="GulfStateMarine">{{cite web | author=University of Southern Mississippi/College of Marine Sciences/Gulf Coast Research Laboratory | title=Fact Sheet for Tilapia zilli (Gervais, 1848) | publisher=Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission | date=2005-08-03 | url=http://nis.gsmfc.org/nis_factsheet2.php?toc_id=200 | accessdate = 2007-02-10 }}</ref><ref name="Fuller">{{cite web | last=Fuller | first=Pam L. | coauthors=Leo G. Nico | title=Nonindigenous Fishes of Florida - With a Focus on South Florida | publisher=U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Center for Coastal Geology | date=2002-10-11 | url=http://sofia.usgs.gov/sfrsf/rooms/species/invasive/focus/ | accessdate=2007-02-10 }}</ref>
Cichlids are largely freshwater fish and are less commonly found in brackish and salt water habitats, though many species will tolerate brackish water for extended periods; ''[[Cichlasoma urophthalmus]]'', for example, is equally at home in freshwater marshes and [[mangrove]] swamps, and can be found living and breeding in salt water environments such as the mangrove belts around barrier islands.<ref name="Loiselle"/> Several species of tilapias (species of ''[[Tilapia]]'', ''[[Sarotherodon]]'', and ''[[Oreochromis]]'') are [[euryhaline]] and can disperse along some brackish coastlines between rivers.<ref name="Nelson"/> Only a few cichlids, however, are found primarily in brackish or salt water, most notably ''Etroplus maculatus'', ''Etroplus suratensis'', and ''Sarotherodon melanotheron''.<ref name="Schäfer">{{cite book | author = Frank Schäfer | year = 2005 | title = Brackish-Water Fishes | publisher = Aqualog | id = ISBN 3-936027-82-X (English), ISBN 3-936027-81-1 (German)}}</ref>
==Diet==
[[Image:Pseudotropheus Crabo Male .JPG|thumb|right|200px|The bumblebee cichlid, ''[[Pseudotropheus crabro]]'', is specialised in feeding on parasites from the catfish ''[[Bagrus meridionalis]]''<ref name="Ribbink">{{cite journal | author = Ribbink, A.J.| coauthors = Lewis, D.S.C. | year = 1982 | title = ''Melanochromis crabro'' sp. nov.: a cichlid fish from Lake Malawi which feeds on ectoparasites and catfish eggs | journal = Netherlands Journal of Zoology | volume = 32 | number = 1 | pages = pp. 72–87 | doi = 10.1163/002829682X00058}}.</ref>]]
Cichlids are astonishingly diverse in terms of diet. Many are primarily [[herbivores]] feeding on [[algae]] (e.g. ''[[Petrochromis]]'') and [[plants]] (e.g. ''Etroplus suratensis'') and small animals, particularly invertebrates, are only a small part of their diet. Some cichlids are [[detritivore]]s and eat all types of organic material; among these species are the [[tilapiine]]s of the genera ''[[Oreochromis]]'', ''[[Sarotherodon]]'', and ''[[Tilapia (genus)|Tilapia]]''.
Other cichlids are [[carnivore|predatory]] and eat little if any 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 specialised [[snail]]-eater, while ''Pungu maclareni'' feeds on [[Porifera|sponges]]. A number of cichlids feed on other fish, either whole or in part. ''[[Crenicichla]]'' are stealth-predators that lunge at small fish that pass by their hiding places, while ''[[Rhamphochromis]]'' are open water pursuit predators that chase down their prey.<ref name = "Oliver">{{cite web| author = Oliver, M.K. | date = [[1999-11-18]] | url = http://malawicichlids.com/mw08096.htm | title = Rhamphochromis esox | publisher = malawicichlids.com: The Cichlid Fishes of Lake Malawi| accessdate = 2007-04-19}}</ref> [[Paedophagy|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).<ref name="McKaye">{{cite journal|author = McKaye, K.R.| coauthors = Kocher, T. | year = 1983| title = Head ramming behaviour by three paedophagous cichlids in Lake Malawi, Africa | journal = Animal Behaviour | volume = 31 | pages = 206 | doi = 10.1016/S0003-3472(83)80190-0 <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->}}</ref><ref name = "Wilhelm">{{cite journal | author = Wilhelm, W. | year = 1980 | title = The disputed feeding behavior of a paedophagous haplochromine cichlid (Pisces) observed and discussed | journal = Behaviour | volume = 74 | pages = 310 | doi = 10.1163/156853980X00528 <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->}}</ref><ref name="Ribbink">{{cite journal | author = Ribbink, A.J.| coauthors = Ribbink, A.C. | year = 1997 | title = Paedophagia among cichlid fishes of Lake Victoria and Lake Malawi/Nyasa | journal = South African Journal of Science | volume = 93 | pages = 509–512}}</ref><ref name="Konings">{{cite journal | author = Konings, A. | year = 2007 | title = Paedophagy in Malawi cichlids | journal = Cichlid News | volume = 16 | pages = 28–32}}</ref> Among the more unusual feeding strategies are those of ''[[Corematodus]]'' spp., ''[[Docimodus|Docimodus evelynae]]'', ''[[Plecodus]]'', ''[[Perissodus]]'' and ''[[Genyochromis]]'' species, which feed on scales and fins of other fishes, a behaviour known as [[lepidophagy]]<ref name = "Trewavas">{{cite journal | author = Trewavas, E. | year = 1947 | title = An example of "mimicry" in fishes | journal = Nature | volume = 160| pages = 120 | doi = 10.1038/160120a0 <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->}}</ref><ref name="Eccles">{{cite journal | author = Eccles, D.H. | coauthors = D.S.C. Lewis | year = 1976 | title = A taxonomic study of the genus ''Docimodus'' Boulenger (Pisces, Cichlidae) a group of fishes with unusual feeding habits from Lake Malawi | journal = Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society | volume = 58 | pages = 165–172 | doi = 10.1111/j.1096-3642.1976.tb00826.x}}</ref><ref name="Nshombo">{{cite journal | author = Nshombo, M. | year = 1991 | title = Occasional egg-eating by the scale-eater ''Plecodus straeleni'' (Cichlidae) of Lake Tanganyika | journal = Environmental Biology of Fishes | volume = 31 | pages = 207–212 | doi = 10.1007/BF00001022 <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->}}</ref> along with the death mimicking behaviour of ''[[Nimbochromis]]'' and ''[[Parachromis]]'' species, which lay motionless, luring small fish to their side prior to ambush.<ref name="Tobler">{{cite journal | author = Tobler, M. | year = 2005 | title = Feigning death in the Central American cichlid ''Parachromis friedrichsthalii'' | journal = Journal of Fish Biology | volume = 66 | pages = 877 | doi = 10.1111/j.0022-1112.2005.00648.x <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->}}</ref><ref name="McKaye81">{{cite journal | author = McKaye, K.R. | year = 1981 | title = Field observation on death feigning: a unique hunting behavior by the predatory cichlid, ''Haplochromis livingstoni'', of Lake Malawi | journal = Environmental Biology of Fishes | volume = 6 | pages = 361–365 | doi = 10.1007/BF00005766 <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->}}</ref>
Scientists believe it is this wide adaptability of feeding styles that has helped cichlids to inhabit such a wide range of habitats. It is largely the pharyngeal teeth (teeth in the throat) that allows the cichlids so many 'niche' feeding behaviours, i.e. the jaws may be used to hold or pick food, while the pharyngeal teeth are used to crush what was harvested.
==Reproduction==
[[Image:Managuense with eggs.jpg|thumb|left|210px|A substrate brooding female managuense cichlid, ''[[Parachromis managuense]]'', guards a clutch of eggs in the aquarium.]]
===Brood care===
All species show some form of parental care for both [[Egg (biology)|egg]]s and [[larva]]e, often extended to free-swimming young until they are several weeks or months old. Species of this family have highly organized breeding activities.<ref name="Nelson"/>
Parental care falls into one of four categories:<ref name="baensch"/>Substrate or open brooders, secretive cave brooders (also known as guarding [[speleophils]]<ref name="Balon">{{cite journal|author=Balon, E.K. | year = 1975| title = Reproductive guilds of fishes: a proposal. and definition | journal = Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada | volume = 32 | pages = 821–864| doi = 10.1111/j.1752-| doi_brokendate = 2008-06-25}}</ref>), and at least two types of mouthbrooding, [[mouthbrooders|ovophile mouthbrooding]] and [[larvophile mouthbrooding]].<ref name="Keenleyside">{{cite book| author = Keenleyside, M.H.A. | year = 1991|chapter = Parental Care | title = Cichlid Fishes: behaviour, ecology and evolution| publisher = Chapman and Hall | location = London | pages = pp. 191-208 | isbn = 0412322005 }}</ref>
Open or substrate brooding cichlids lay their eggs in the open on rocks, leaves or logs. Examples of open brooding cichlids include ''[[Pterophyllum]]'', ''[[Discus (fish)|Symphysodon]]'' spp and ''[[Anomalochromis thomasi]]''. In general, brooding biparental substrate brooding cichlids usually engage in differing roles with regard to protection and raising of the fry. Most commonly, the male parent patrols the pair's territory and repels intruders, while females more intensively tend the brood, fanning water over the eggs, removing infertile eggs and leading the school of fry while foraging. Despite this, both sexes are able to perform the full range of parenting behaviours.<ref name="Keenleyside"/> Secretive cave spawning cichlids lay their eggs in caves, crevices, holes or discarded mollusc shells (see also: [[Shell dweller|shell brooding cichlids]]), frequently attaching the eggs to the roof of the chamber. Examples include ''[[Pelvicachromis pulcher|Pelvicachromis]]'' spp., ''[[Convict cichlid|Archocentrus]]'' spp and ''[[Apistogramma]]'' spp.<ref name="baensch"/> Communication between free-swimming fry and parents of both open and cave spawning cichlids has been observed for a number of cichlids in captivity and in the wild.<ref name="Keenleyside"/> Frequently this communication is based on body movements, such as shaking and pelvic fin flicking.<ref name="Keenleyside"/> In addition, parental substrate brooding cichlids assist in finding food resources for their fry. Parental behaviours such as leaf-turning, and fin-digging have been observed for a number of neotropical cichlid species.<ref name="Keenleyside"/>
Communal parental care, where multiple monogamous pairs care for a mixed school of young have also been observed for a number of cichlid species including: ''[[Amphilophus citrinellus]]'', ''[[Etroplus suratensis]]'' and ''[[Tilapia rendalli]]''.<ref name="McKaye77">{{cite journal |author= McKaye, K.R.|coauthors = N.M. McKaye | year = 1977 | title = Communal Care and Kidnapping of Young by Parental Cichlids| journal = Evolution | volume = 31 | pages = 674–681 | doi = 10.2307/2407533}}</ref><ref name="Ward77">{{cite journal | author = Ward, J.A.|coauthors = R.L. Wyman |year = 1977| title= Ethology and ecology of cichlid fishes of the genus ''Etroplus'' in Sri Lanka: preliminary findings | journal = Environmental Biology of Fishes | volume = 2 | pages = 137–145 | doi = 10.1007/BF00005369}}</ref><ref name="Ribbink81">{{cite journal | author = Ribbink, A.J.| coauthors = A.C. Marsh, and B.A. Marsh | year = 1981 | title = Nest-building and communal care of young by ''Tilapia rendalli dumeril'' (pisces, cichlidae) in Lake Malawi | journal = Environmental Biology of Fishes | volume = 6 | pages = 219–222 | doi = 10.1007/BF00002787}}</ref> 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 [[Juvenile (organism)|juveniles]] from previous spawns.<ref>Steeves, Greg. [http://www.africancichlids.net/articles/neolamprologus_brichardi/ Neolamprologus brichardi.] africancichlids.net. Accessed [[2008-04-08]]</ref>
[[Image:Cyphotilapia frontosa mouthbrooding.jpg|thumb|right|180px|A female ''[[Cyphotilapia frontosa]]'' mouthbrooding fry which can be seen looking out her mouth]]
Ovophile mouthbrooders incubate their eggs in their mouths as soon as they are laid, and frequently continue to brood free-swimming fry in their mouths for several weeks. Examples of ovophile mouthbrooding cichlids include many of the cichlids endemic to the [[Rift Valley]] lakes ([[Lake Malawi]], [[Lake Tanganyika]] and [[Lake Victoria]]) in [[east Africa]] eg: ''[[Maylandia]]'', ''[[Pseudotropheus]]'' and ''[[Tropheus]]'' along with some [[South America|south american]] cichlids such as ''[[Geophagus steindachneri]]''. Larvophile mouthbrooding species lay the eggs in the open, or in a cave and upon hatching take the larvae into the mouth. Examples include some variants of ''[[Geophagus altifrons]]'', some ''[[Aequidens]]'', ''[[Gymnogeophagus]]'' and ''[[Satanoperca]]'' species.<ref name="Loiselle"/><ref name="baensch"/> Regardless of whether eggs or larvae are subject to mouthbrooding, the vast majority of mouthbrooding cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders, that is the female mouthbroods the young. In the eretmodine cichlids (genera ''[[Spathodus]]'', ''[[Eretmodus]]'' and ''[[Tanganicodus]]''), some ''[[Sarotherodon]]'' species, ''[[Chromidotilapia guntheri]]'' and some ''[[Aequidens]]'' species, however, mouthbrooding is practiced by both the male and the female.<ref name="Loiselle"/><ref name = "Coleman99">{{cite journal | author = Coleman, R. | year = 1999 | title = Mysterious mouthbrooders | journal = Cichlid News | month = January | pages = 32–33}}</ref><ref name="Keenleyside"/> Paternal mouthbrooding, though rare, is also known to occur in the family eg. ''[[Sarotherodon melanotheron]]''.<ref name="Kishida00">{{cite journal | author = Kishida, M.|coauthors = J.L. Specker | year = 2000 | title = Paternal Mouthbrooding in the Black-Chinned Tilapia, ''Sarotherodon melanotheron'' (Pisces: Cichlidae): Changes in Gonadal Steroids and Potential for Vitellogenin Transfer to Larvae | journal = Hormones and Behavior | volume = 37 | pages = 40–48 | doi = 10.1006/hbeh.1999.1556 <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->}}</ref> This method is common and appears to have evolved independently in several groups of African cichlids.<ref name="Nelson"/>
Several cichlids, including discus (''[[Symphysodon]]'' spp.), some ''[[Amphilophus]]'' species, ''[[Etroplus]]'' and ''[[Uaru]]'' species are noted to feed their young with a skin [[secretion]] from mucous glands.<ref name="Loiselle"/><ref name="baensch"/>
===Mating system===
Cichlids are either [[monogamous]] or [[polygamous]] in their mating system.<ref name="Loiselle"/> The mating system of any given cichlid species is not consistently associated with the type of brood care the species employs. For example, although most monogamous cichlids are not mouthbrooding cichlids, ''[[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]]''.<ref name="Loiselle"/><ref name="martin">{{cite journal|author =Martin, E.| coauthors = and M. Taborsky| year = 1997 | title = Alternative male mating acttics in a cichlid, ''Pelvicachromis pulcher'': a comparison of reproductive effort and success | journal = Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology | volume = 41 | pages = 311–319 | doi = 10.1007/s002650050391 <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->}}</ref>
[[Image:Lamprologus ocellatus fry.jpg|thumb|left|200px|''[[Lamprologus ocellatus]]'', a [[Shell dwellers|shell-dwelling]] cichlid, guarding fry]]
==Endangered cichlids==
According to the 2007 [[IUCN Red List|International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources]] red list 156 cichlid species are currently listed as vulnerable, 40 species are listed as endangered, while 69 species are listed as critically endangered. Six species, ''Haplochromis ishmaeli'', ''Haplochromis lividus'', ''Haplochromis perrieri'', ''Paretroplus menarambo'', ''Platytaeniodus degeni'' and ''Yssichromis'' sp. ''nov''. 'argens' are extinct in the wild, while at least 39 species, most from the genus ''[[Haplochromis]]'', have become extinct since the early 1990s.<ref>IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 20 April 2007 [http://www.iucnredlist.org/search/search.php?freetext=Cichlidae&modifier=phrase&criteria=wholedb&taxa_species=1&redlistCategory%5B%5D=EX&redlistAssessyear%5B%5D=all&country%5B%5D=all&aquatic%5B%5D=all®ions%5B%5D=all&habitats%5B%5D=all&threats%5B%5D=all&Submit.x=41&Submit.y=21 List of recently extinct Cichlidae]</ref>
===Lake Victoria===
Because of the introduced [[Nile perch]] (''Lates niloticus'') and [[water hyacinth]], deforestation causing siltation of water, and overfishing, many species of [[Lake Victoria]] cichlids have been wiped out or drastically reduced in the wild. By around 1980, fisheries of the lake yielded only 1 percent cichlids from all the catch, a drastic decline from 80 percent in the earlier years.<ref name="Barlow2000"/>[[Image:Astatotilapia latifasciata.png|thumb|right|250px|''[[Haplochromis latifasciata]]'' is critically endangered in the wild<ref>Kaufman L (1996) ''Haplochromis latifasciata''. In: IUCN 2006. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.</ref>]] As many as three hundred species or about two-thirds of the endemic cichlids, especially the ones that feed in the open bottom of the lake, became endangered or extinct. Some surviving cichlids, however, have adapted to the new threats by becoming smaller or hybridising with other species.<ref name="Barlow2000"/> Thankfully, the myriad of satellite lakes surrounding Lake Victoria have not been affected, and harbor an array of similar species.
==Cichlids as food and game fish==
Although cichlids are mostly small and medium-sized fishes, a substantial number of species are notable as food and game fishes. With few thick rib bones and tasty flesh, [[artisan fishing]] of cichlids is not uncommon in [[Central America]] and [[South America]], as well as areas surrounding the African [[rift lake]]s.<ref name="Barlow2000">{{cite book|last=Barlow|first=G. W.|year=2000| title=The Cichlid Fishes| publisher=Cambridge, MA: Perseus Publishing| id=ISBN 0-7382-0376-9}}</ref> The most important food cichlids, however, are the [[tilapiine]]s of North Africa. Fast growing, tolerant of stocking density, and highly adaptable, tilapiine species have been introduced and farmed extensively in many parts of [[Asia]] and are increasingly common in other parts of the world. Production of farmed tilapia, at about 1.5 million tons annually with an estimated value of US$1.8 billion,<ref> 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. [http://www.fao.org/documents/show_cdr.asp?url_file=/docrep/007/y5728e/y5728e00.HTM]</ref> is about equal to that of salmon and trout. Unlike carnivorous salmon and trout, however, tilapia are mostly omnivorous and can feed on algae or any plant-based food. This reduces the cost of tilapia farming greatly and makes tilapia the ideal "aquatic chickens" of the trade.<ref name="Barlow2000"/>
In addition to being food fish, many large cichlids also make good game fish. The strong, hard-fighting [[peacock bass]] (''[[Cichla]]'' species) of [[South America]] is one of the most popular [[sport fishing|sportfish]]. It was intentionally released in many waters around the world. In [[Florida]], this fish generates millions of hours of fishing and anglers' spendings of more than US$8 million a year.<ref name="floridafisheries">{{cite web|url=http://floridafisheries.com/fishes/non-native.html|title=Fact Exotic Freshwater Fishes|author=Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission|accessdate=2007-03-18}}</ref> Other cichlids preferred by anglers include the [[oscar (fish)|oscar]], [[Mayan cichlid]] (''Cichlasoma urophthalmus''), and [[jaguar guapote]] (''Parachromis managuensis'').<ref name="floridafisheries"/>
==Cichlids as aquarium fish==
[[Image:Discus fish.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Although not particularly hardy, the discus, ''[[Symphysodon]]'' spp., has been popular among aquarium enthusiasts.]]
Since 1945, cichlids have become increasingly popular as aquarium fish<ref name="Keenleyside">Keenleyside MHA (1991) ''Cichlid Fishes: behaviour, ecology and evolution'' Chapman and Hall, London.</ref><ref name="Loiselle"/><ref name="baensch">{{cite book |last=Riehl |first=Rüdiger. Editor. |coauthors=Baensch, HA |title=Aquarium Atlas |year=1996. 5th Edn. |publisher=Tetra Press |location=Germany |isbn=3-88244-050-3}}</ref><ref name="FKGCC">Sands D (1994) ''A fishkeepers guide to Central American cichlids.'' Tetra Press. Belgium pg 59-60.</ref><ref>Mills D (1993) ''Aquarium Fish'' Harper Collins ISBN 0-7322-5012-9</ref><ref>Konings A (1997) ''Back to nature guide to Malawi Cichlids'' Druckhaus Beltz, Germany. p. 13-23</ref><ref name="FKGSAC">Leibel WS (1993) ''A fishkeepers guide to South American cichlids.'' Tetra Press. Belgium pg 12-14.</ref> Cichlids are ideally suited as aquarium fish as many are small to medium-sized, easy to feed with a range of prepared [[fish food]]s, breed readily, and practice brood care, in captivity.<ref name="baensch"/>
The most commonly encountered species in retail aquariums is ''[[Pterophyllum]] scalare'' from the [[Amazon River]] basin in tropical South America, known in the trade as the "[[freshwater angelfish|angelfish]]" . Other popular or readily available species of cichlids include the [[Oscar (fish)|oscar]] (''Astronotus ocellatus''), [[convict cichlid]] (''Archocentrus nigrofasciatus'') and [[Discus (fish)|discus]] (''Symphysodon'' spp.).<ref name="Loiselle"/>
Species of cichlid can be kept in [[aquarium]]s with other fish, however, many cichlids are [[predator]]y towards smaller fish.<ref name="baensch"/> Conversely, some cichlids, such as ''[[Apistogramma]]'' or ''[[Julidochromis]]'' spp., can be timid in the aquarium. In such cases the use of [[dither fish]] is recommended.<ref name="Loiselle"/>
==Hybrid cichlids and selective breeding==
[[Image:Red Texas.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The "red Texas" cichlid is not a [[Texas cichlid]] (''Herichthys cyanoguttatus'') but an intergeneric hybrid of ''[[Herichthys]]'' and ''[[Amphilophus]]'' parents.]]
Some cichlids have been found to hybridise with closely related species quite readily, both in the wild and under artificial conditions.<ref>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 [http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/doi/pdf/10.1046/j.1365-294X.2003.01905.x]</ref> This is not particularly unusual, having been observed among other groups of fishes, such as European [[Cyprinidae|cyprinids]].<ref>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</ref> What is unusual is the extent to which cichlid hybrids have been put to commercial use, in particular as food fish and as aquarium fish.<ref name="Chapman"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/show_article.php?article_id=331|title=Frequently asked questions on Parrot cichlids|author=Matt Clarke|publisher=Practical Fishkeeping|accessdate=2006-10-20}}</ref> The red strain of [[tilapia]] hybrid, for example, is often preferred in [[aquaculture]] as they have faster growth rates. Tilapia hybridisation is also used to produce all-male populations to control stock density and prohibit reproduction in ponds.<ref name="Chapman"/>
The most ubiquitous aquarium hybrid is perhaps the [[blood parrot cichlid]] which is a cross of several species especially those 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 has caused controversy among aquarium enthusiasts. Some has called blood parrot cichlid "the Frankenstein monster of the fish world."<ref name="aquafriend">{{cite web | url = http://www.aquafriend.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=66&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0 | title = It's The Frankenstein Monster Of The Fish World: The Blood Parrot! | publisher = AquaFriend.com | date = [[2002-10-27]] | accessdate = 2006-12-05}}</ref> 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.<ref>Arnold W (2003) Singapore's 'lucky' pet Luohan can outnumber people in homes. International Herald Tribune. July 1.</ref> The popularity of the flowerhorn cichlid declined in 2004,<ref>''Crayfish the latest fad among pet lovers'' New Straits Times (Malaysia) (2004) 3rd September</ref> resulting in many flowerhorn cichlids being released into the rivers and canals of [[Malaysia]] and [[Singapore]] where they pose a threat to endemic animal communities.<ref>''Flower Horn: Joy in homes, a pest in rivers''. New Straits Times (Malaysia) (2004) 14th July.</ref>
[[Image:Long finned oscar.jpg|right|thumb|200px|left|A [[Leucism|leucistic]] long-finned form of ''[[Oscar (fish)|A. ocellatus]]'']]
Numerous cichlid species have also been the subject of [[selective breeding]] programmes to develop new ornamental strains for the aquarium trade. The most intensive selective breeding programs have involved [[Pterophyllum|angelfish]] and [[Discus (fish)|discus]] and many [[mutation]]s that effect both colouration and finnage are known.<ref name="Loiselle"/><ref>Norton J (1982) Angelfish genetics ''Freshwater And Marine Aquarium magazine'' '''5:'''(4)</ref><ref>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.</ref> Many other cichlids have been selecively bred for [[albino]], [[Leucism|leucistic]] and [[Xanthochromism|xanthistic]] pigment mutations including [[Oscar (fish)|oscars]], [[Convict cichlid|convicts]] and ''[[Pelvicachromis pulcher]]''.<ref name="Loiselle"/><ref name="baensch"/> Both dominant and recessively inherited pigment mutations have been observed for cichlids.<ref name="Kornfield">Kornfield I (1991) Genetics. In: ''Cichlid Fishes: behaviour, ecology and evolution'' Ed. Keenleyside MHA. Chapman and Hall, London. p. 109-115.</ref> In [[convict cichlid]]s, for example, a [[Leucism|leucistic]] colouration is [[recessive]]ly inherited,<ref>Itzkovich J, Rothbard S, Hulata G (1981) Inheritance of pink body colouration in cichlasoma nigrofasciatum Günther (Pisces, Cichlidae). ''Genetica'' '''55:''' 15-16.</ref> while in ''Oreochromis niloticus niloticus'' red colouration is caused by an [[Dominance relationship|dominantly]] inherited mutation.<ref>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.</ref>
These efforts at selectively breeding may, however, have [[unintended consequence]]s. For example, some selectively bred strains of ''[[Ram cichlid|Mikrogeophagus ramirezi]]'' have health and fertility problems.<ref name="dcichlids">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</ref> Similarly, the [[inbreeding]] involved in selective breeding programmes can cause severe physical abnormalies such as the notched [[phenotype]] in [[Pterophyllum|angelfish]].<ref>Norton J (1994) Notched - An Angelfish Deformity ''Freshwater And Marine Aquarium magazine'' '''17:'''(3)</ref>
==Genera==
As of 2006, there were some 220 genera:<ref name="fishbase_CS"/>
{|
|- valign=top
|
*''[[Acarichthys]]'' <small>[[Carl H. Eigenmann|Eigenmann]] 1912</small>
*''[[Acaronia]]'' <small>[[George S. Myers|Myers]] 1940</small>
*''[[Aequidens]]'' <small>Eigenmann & Bray 1894</small>
*''[[Allochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
*''[[Alticorpus]]'' <small>Stauffer & McKaye 1988</small>
*''[[Altolamprologus]]'' <small>Poll 1986 </small>
*''[[Amatitlania]]'' <small>[[Schmitter-Soto]], 2007</small>
*''[[Amphilophus]]'' <small>[[Louis Agassiz|Agassiz]], 1859</small>
*''[[Anomalochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1985</small>
*''[[Apistogramma]]'' <small>[[Charles Tate Regan|Regan]] 1913</small>
*''[[Apistogrammoides]]'' <small>Meinken 1965 </small>
*''[[Archocentrus]]'' <small>[[Theodore Nicholas Gill|Gill]] 1877</small>
*''[[Aristochromis]]'' <small>[[Ethelwynn Trewavas|Trewavas]], 1935</small>
*''[[Astatoreochromis]]'' <small>[[Jacques Pellegrin|Pellegrin]] 1904</small>
*''[[Astatotilapia]]'' <small>Pellegrin 1904</small>
*''[[Astronotus]]'' <small>Swainson 1839</small>
*''[[Aulonocara]]'' <small>Regan 1922</small>
*''[[Aulonocranus]]'' <small>Regan 1920</small>
*''[[Australoheros]]'' <small>Rican & Kullander 2006 </small>
*''[[Baileychromis]]'' <small>Poll 1986</small>
*''[[Bathybates]]'' <small>[[George Albert Boulenger|Boulenger]] 1898</small>
*''[[Benitochromis]]'' <small>Lamboj 2001</small>
*''[[Benthochromis]]'' <small>Poll 1986</small>
*''[[Biotodoma]]'' <small>Eigenmann & Kennedy 1903</small>
*''[[Biotoecus]]'' <small>Eigenmann & Kennedy 1903</small>
*''[[Boulengerochromis]]'' <small>Pellegrin 1904</small>
*''[[Buccochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Bujurquina]]'' <small>Kullander 1986</small>
*''[[Callochromis]]'' <small>Regan 1920</small>
*''[[Caprichromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Caquetaia]]'' <small>Fowler 1945</small>
*''[[Cardiopharynx]]'' <small>Poll 1942</small>
*''[[Chaetobranchopsis]]'' <small>[[Franz Steindachner|Steindachner]], 1875</small>
*''[[Chaetobranchus]]'' <small>[[Johann Jakob Heckel|Heckel]], 1840</small>
*''[[Chalinochromis]]'' <small>Poll 1974</small>
*''[[Champsochromis]]'' <small>Boulenger 1915</small>
*''[[Cheilochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Chetia]]'' <small>Trewavas 1961</small>
*''[[Chilochromis]]'' <small>Boulenger 1902</small>
*''[[Chilotilapia]]'' <small>Boulenger 1908</small>
*''[[Chromidotilapia]]'' <small>Boulenger 1898</small>
*''[[Cichla]]'' <small>Bloch & Schneider 1801</small>
*''[[Cichlasoma]]'' <small>Swainson 1839</small>
*''[[Cleithracara]]'' <small>Kullander & Nijssen 1989</small>
*''[[Congochromis]]'' <small>Stiassny & Schliewen 2007</small>
*''[[Copadichromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Corematodus]]'' <small>Boulenger 1897</small>
*''[[Crenicara]]'' <small>Steindachner 1875 </small>
*''[[Crenicichla]]'' <small>Heckel 1840</small>
*''[[Cryptoheros]]'' <small>Allgayer 2001</small>
*''[[Ctenochromis]]'' <small>Pfeffer 1893</small>
*''[[Ctenopharynx]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Cunningtonia]]'' <small>Boulenger 1906</small>
*''[[Cyathochromis]]'' <small>Trewavas 1935</small>
*''[[Cyathopharynx]]'' <small>Regan 1920</small>
*''[[Cyclopharynx]]'' <small>Poll 1948</small>
*''[[Cynotilapia]]'' <small>Regan 1922</small>
*''[[Cyphotilapia]]'' <small>Regan 1920</small>
*''[[Cyprichromis]]'' <small>Scheuermann 1977</small>
*''[[Cyrtocara]]'' <small>Boulenger 1902</small>
*''[[Danakilia]]'' <small>Thys van den Audenaerde 1969</small>
*''[[Dicrossus]]'' <small>Steindachner 1875 </small>
*''[[Dimidiochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Diplotaxodon]]'' <small>Trewavas 1935</small>
*''[[Divandu]]'' <small>Lamboj & Snoeks 2000</small>
*''[[Docimodus]]'' <small>Boulenger 1897</small>
*''[[Eclectochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Ectodus]]'' <small>Boulenger 1898</small>
*''[[Enterochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
*''[[Eretmodus]]'' <small>Boulenger 1898</small>
*''[[Etia]]'' <small>Schliewen & Stiassny 2003</small>
*''[[Etroplus]]'' <small>[[Cuvier]] 1830</small>
*''[[Exochochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Fossorochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Gaurochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
*''[[Genyochromis]]'' <small>Trewavas 1935</small>
*''[[Geophagus]]'' <small>Heckel 1840 </small>
*''[[Gephyrochromis]]'' <small>Boulenger 1901 </small>
*''[[Gnathochromis]]'' <small>Poll 1981</small>
*''[[Gobiocichla]]'' <small>Kanazawa 1951</small>
|
*''[[Grammatotria]]'' <small>Boulenger 1899</small>
*''[[Greenwoodochromis]]'' <small>Poll 1983</small>
*''[[Guianacara]]'' <small>Kullander & Nijssen 1989</small>
*''[[Gymnogeophagus]]'' <small>Miranda Ribeiro 1918 </small>
*''[[Haplochromis]]'' <small>Hilgendorf 1888</small>
*''[[Haplotaxodon]]'' <small>Boulenger 1906</small>
*''[[Harpagochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
*''[[Hemibates]]'' <small>Regan 1920</small>
*''[[Jewel cichlid|Hemichromis]]'' <small>Peters 1857</small>
*''[[Hemitaeniochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Hemitilapia]]'' <small>Boulenger 1902</small>
*''[[Herichthys]]'' <small>Baird & Girard 1854</small>
*''[[Heros genus|Heros]]'' <small>Heckel, 1840</small>
*''[[Herotilapia]]'' <small>Pellegrin 1904</small>
*''[[Heterochromis]]'' <small>Regan 1922</small>
*''[[Hoplarchus]]'' <small>[[Johann Jakob Kaup|Kaup]],1860</small>
*''[[Hoplotilapia]]'' <small>Hilgendorf 1888</small>
*''[[Hypselecara]]'' <small>Kullander 1986</small>
*''[[Hypsophrys]]'' <small>[[Louis Agassiz|Agassiz]] 1859</small>
*''[[Interochromis]]'' <small>Yamaoka, Hori & Kuwamura 1988</small>
*''[[Iodotropheus]]'' <small>Oliver & Loiselle 1972 </small>
*''[[Iranocichla]]'' <small>Coad 1982</small>
*''[[Ivanacara]]''{{Fact|date=April 2008}} <small>Romer & Hahn 2006</small>
*''[[Julidochromis]]'' <small>Boulenger 1898</small>
*''[[Katria]]'' <small>Stiassny & Sparks 2006</small>
*''[[Konia (genus)|Konia]]'' <small>Trewavas 1972</small>
*''[[Krobia (genus)|Krobia]]'' <small>Kullander & Nijssen 1989</small>
*''[[Labeotropheus]]'' <small>[[Ernst Ahl|Ahl]] 1926 </small>
*''[[Labidochromis]]'' <small>Trewavas 1935</small>
*''[[Labrochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
*''[[Laetacara]]'' <small>Kullander 1986</small>
*''[[Lamprologus]]'' <small>Schilthuis 1891 </small>
*''[[Lepidiolamprologus]]'' <small>Pellegrin 1904</small>
*''[[Lestradea]]'' <small>Poll 1943</small>
*''[[Lethrinops]]'' <small>Regan 1922</small>
*''[[Lichnochromis]]'' <small>Trewavas 1935</small>
*''[[Limbochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1987 </small>
*''[[Limnochromis]]'' <small>Regan 1920</small>
*''[[Limnotilapia]]'' <small>Regan 1920</small>
*''[[Lipochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
*''[[Lithochromis]]'' <small>Lippitsch & Seehausen 1998</small>
*''[[Lobochilotes]]'' <small>Boulenger 1915</small>
*''[[Macropleurodus]]'' <small>Regan 1922</small>
*''[[Maylandia]]'' <small>Meyer & Foerster 1984</small>
** <small>(see also ''[[Metriaclima]]'')</small>
*''[[Mazarunia]]'' <small>Kullander 1990</small>
*''[[Mbipia]]'' <small>Lippitsch & Seehausen 1998 </small>
*''[[Mchenga]]'' <small>Stauffer & Konings, 2006</small>
*''[[Melanochromis]]'' <small>Trewavas, 1935</small>
*''[[Mesonauta]]'' <small>[[Albert C. L. G. Günther|Günther]], 1862</small>
*''[[Microchromis]]'' <small>Johnson 1975 </small>
*''[[Mikrogeophagus]]'' <small>Meulengracht-Madson 1968</small>
*''[[Myaka]]'' <small>Trewavas 1972</small>
*''[[Mylacochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
*''[[Mylochromis]]'' <small>Regan 1920 </small>
*''[[Naevochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Nandopsis]]'' <small>Gill, 1862</small>
*''[[Nannacara]]'' <small>Regan]] 1905</small><!-- ZoolAbhDresden54:155 -->
*''[[Nanochromis]]'' <small>Pellegrin 1904</small>
*''[[Neetroplus]]'' <small>[[Albert C. L. G. Günther|Günther]], 1867</small>
*''[[Neochromis]]'' <small>Regan 1920</small>
*''[[Neolamprologus]]'' <small>Colombe & Allgayer 1985</small>
*''[[Nimbochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989 </small>
*''[[Nyassachromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Ophthalmotilapia]]'' <small>Pellegrin 1904</small>
*''[[Oreochromis]]'' <small>Günther 1889</small>
*''[[Orthochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1954</small>
*''[[Otopharynx]]'' <small>Regan 1920</small>
*''[[Oxylapia]]'' <small>Kiener & Maugé 1966 </small><!-- MolPhylEvol30:599 -->
*''[[Pallidochromis]]'' <small>Turner 1994</small>
*''[[Parachromis]]'' <small>Agassiz 1859</small>
*''[[Paracyprichromis]]'' <small>Poll 1986</small>
*''[[Paralabidochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1956</small>
*''[[Parananochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1987</small>
*''[[Paraneetroplus]]'' <small>Regan 1905</small>
|
*''[[Paratilapia]]'' <small>[[Pieter Bleeker|Bleeker]], 1868</small>
*''[[Paretroplus]]'' <small>Bleeker, 1868</small><!-- MolPhylEvol30:599 -->
*''[[Pelmatochromis]]'' <small>Steindachner 1894</small>
*''[[Pelvicachromis]]'' <small>Thys van den Audenaerde 1968</small>
*''[[Perissodus]]'' <small>Boulenger 1898</small>
*''[[Petenia]]'' <small>Günther, 1862</small>
*''[[Petrochromis]]'' <small>Boulenger 1898</small>
*''[[Petrotilapia]]'' <small>Trewavas 1935</small>
*''[[Pharyngochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1979</small>
*''[[Placidochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Platytaeniodus]]'' <small>Boulenger 1906</small>
*''[[Plecodus]]'' <small>Boulenger 1898</small>
*''[[Prognathochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
*''[[Protomelas]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Psammochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
*''[[Pseudocrenilabrus]]'' <small>Fowler 1934</small>
*''[[Pseudosimochromis]]'' <small>Nelissen 1977 </small>
*''[[Pseudotropheus]]'' <small>Regan 1922</small>
*''[[Pterochromis]]'' <small>Trewavas 1973</small>
*''[[Pterophyllum]]'' <small>Heckel 1840</small>
*''[[Ptychochromis]]'' <small>Steindachner 1880</small><!-- MolPhylEvol30:599 -->
*''[[Ptychochromoides]]'' <small>Kiener & Mauge 1966</small> <!-- MolPhylEvol30:599 -->
*''[[Ptyochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
*''[[Pundamilia]]'' Seehausen & Lippitsch 1998</small>
*''[[Pungu]]'' <small>Trewavas 1972 </small>
*''[[Pyxichromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
*''[[Reganochromis]]'' <small>Whitley 1929</small>
*''[[Retroculus]]'' <small>Eigenmann & Bray 1894</small>
*''[[Rhamphochromis]]'' <small>Regan 1922</small>
*''[[Rocio]]'' <small>[[Schmitter-Soto]], 2007</small>
*''[[Sargochromis]]'' <small>Regan 1920 </small>
*''[[Sarotherodon]]'' <small>Rppell 1852</small>
*''[[Satanoperca]]'' <small>Günther, 1862 </small>
*''[[Schubotzia]]'' <small>Boulenger 1914 </small>
*''[[Schwetzochromis]]'' <small>Poll 1948</small>
*''[[Sciaenochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Serranochromis]]'' <small>Regan 1920</small>
*''[[Simochromis]]'' <small>Boulenger 1898</small>
*''[[Spathodus]]'' <small>Boulenger 1900</small>
*''[[Steatocranus]]'' <small>Boulenger 1899</small>
*''[[Stigmatochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Stomatepia]]'' <small>Trewavas 1962</small>
*''[[Symphysodon]]'' <small>Heckel 1840</small>
*''[[Taeniacara]]'' <small>Myers 1935</small>
*''[[Taeniochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Taeniolethrinops]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Tahuantinsuyoa]]'' <small>Kullander 1991 </small>
*''[[Tangachromis]]'' <small>Poll 1981</small>
*''[[Tanganicodus]]'' <small>Poll 1950</small>
*''[[Teleocichla]]'' <small>Kullander 1988</small>
*''[[Teleogramma]]'' <small>Boulenger 1899</small>
*''[[Telmatochromis]]'' <small>Boulenger 1898</small>
*''[[Theraps]]'' <small>Günther, 1862 </small>
*''[[Thoracochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1979 </small>
*''[[Thorichthys]]'' <small>[[Albert Stewart Meek|Meek]] 1904</small>
*''[[Thysochromis]]'' <small>Daget 1988</small>
*''[[Tilapia (genus)|Tilapia]]'' <small>Smith, 1840</small> See also: [[Tilapia|Tilapiine cichlids]]
*''[[Tomocichla]]'' <small>Regan 1908 </small>
*''[[Tramitichromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Trematocara]]'' <small>Boulenger 1899 </small>
*''[[Trematocranus]]'' <small>Trewavas 1935</small>
*''[[Triglachromis]]'' <small>Poll & Thys van den Audenaerde 1974</small>
*''[[Tristramella]]'' <small>Trewavas 1942</small>
*''[[Tridontochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
*''[[Tropheops]]'' <small>Trewavas 1984 </small>
*''[[Tropheus]]'' <small>Boulenger 1898 </small>
*''[[Tylochromis]]'' <small>Regan 1920 </small>
*''[[Tyrannochromis]]'' <small>Eccles & Trewavas 1989</small>
*''[[Uaru]]'' <small>Heckel 1840</small>
*''[[Variabilichromis]]'' <small>Colombe & Allgayer 1985</small>
*''[[Vieja]]'' <small>Fernandez-Yepez 1969</small>
*''[[Xenochromis]]'' <small>Boulenger 1899</small>
*''[[Xenotilapia]]'' <small>Boulenger 1899</small>
*''[[Xystichromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
*''[[Yissochromis]]'' <small>Greenwood 1980</small>
|}
==Images of cichlids==
:''Main gallery: [[:Category:Cichlid images|Cichlid images]]''
<gallery>
Image:Astronotus_ocellatus.jpg| The [[Oscar (fish)|oscar]] (''Astronotus ocellatus'') is one of the most popular cichlids in the [[fishkeeping]] hobby.
Image:ButterflyPeacockBass 01.jpg| The butterfly peacock bass (''[[Cichla ocellaris]]'') was introduced intentionally in [[Florida]] as [[sport fishing|gamefish]].
Image:Oreochromis niloticus.jpg| The Nile tilapia (''[[Oreochromis niloticus]]'') is farmed extensively as food fish in many parts of the world
Image:Pterophyllum scalare-narybek.jpg| The angelfish (''[[Pterophyllum scalare]]'') has long been commercially bred for the aquarium trade.
Image:Maylandia lombardoi.jpg| [[Sexual dimorphism]] is common in cichlids. Shown here is a male (front) and a female (rear) ''[[Maylandia lombardoi]]''
Image:Mikrogeophagus.jpg| A pair of blue rams (''[[Mikrogeophagus ramirezi]]''), male in front, female behind. Many cichlids form strong [[pair bond]]s while breeding.
Image:Diskuslaich1a.jpeg| A discus (''[[Symphysodon|Symphysodon spp.]]'') is guarding its eggs. Advanced broodcare is one of the defining characteristics of cichlids.
Image:Adult male livingstonii.gif| [[Lake Malawi]], Eastern [[Africa]] is home to numerous cichild species including this Livingston's cichlid (''[[Nimbochromis livingstonii]]'')
Image:Lamprologusstappersimalemcl.jpg| A [[Shell dweller|shell-brooding]] cichlid of the genus ''[[Lamprologus]]'' from [[Lake Tanganyika]] in [[East Africa]]
Image:Herichthys cyanoguttatum (Rio Grande Cichlid).jpg| The Texas cichlid (''[[Herichthys cyanoguttatus]]'') is the only cichlid native to the [[USA]]
Image:Pelvicachromis_pulcher_(female).jpg|''[[Pelvicachromis pulcher]]'' is a [[West Africa]]n riverine cichlid, and part of the aquarists [[dwarf cichlid]] group.
Image:Flowerhorn.jpg|The [[flowerhorn cichlid]] is a man-made [[Hybrid (biology)|hybrid]] that has recently gained popularity among aquarists, particularly in [[Asia]].
Image:Pantapec_Cichlid.jpg| Texas Cichlid (''Herichthys cyanoguttatus'')
Image:Egyptian Mouthbrooders.jpg| A pair of [[Egyptian mouthbrooder]]s (''Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor'').
</gallery>
==See also==
*[[Perciformes]]
*[[Aquaculture]]
*[[Fishkeeping]]
*[[Aquarium]]
== References ==
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== Further reading ==
*Barlow, G. W. (2000). ''The Cichlid fishes''. Cambridge MA: Perseus Publishing.
*{{ITIS|ID=169770|taxon=Cichlidae}}: National Museum of Natural History, Washington, D.C., 2004-05-11).
==External links==
{{commonscat|Cichlidae}}
*[http://news.nationalgeographic.org/news/2005/05/0504_050504_chiclids.html Lost African Lake Spawned Fish Diversity "Beyond Belief"] Discussing the biodiversity of cichlids.
*[http://www.malawicichlids.com/ The Cichlid Fishes of Lake Malawi] by Dr. Michael Oliver.
*[http://www.fmnh.helsinki.fi/users/haaramo/Metazoa/Deuterostoma/Chordata/Actinopterygii/Perciformes/Labroidei/cichlidae_1.htm An incomplete listing] of cichlid genera and species, with phylogenetic context
*[http://www.cichlidae.com/ Cichlid Room Companion] by Juan Miguel Artigas Azas.
[[Category:Cichlidae]]
[[Category:Fishkeeping]]
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