African cichlids comprise a group of about 1,300 freshwater fish species native to the African Rift Valley lakes of Tanganyika, Victoria, and Malawi. Many are harvested for sale as food or to aquarium hobbyists.
Diverse Species
Research and fossil records have shown that African cichlids evolved rapidly to produce a wide variety of closely related, but morphologically and habitually distinct species.
Feeding habits vary among species: Some cichlids subsist on algae or plant matter, others consume only detritus, while others are predatory hunters.
Although diverse in coloring, size and overall appearance, most cichlids are laterally narrow, generally oval in shape and of medium size.
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African Cichlid Related Merchandise
Amazonia.com: African Cichlid Book List
PetSmart: African Cichlids
Arcatapet: African Cichlid "Tetra Cichlid 5.65 ounce"
Aquabuys: African Rift Lake Aquarium Setups
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References
Fast Facts
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40 species of cichlid are listed as endangered
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Some species will tolerate brackish water
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10"-3' long
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Fairly easy to keep and maintain
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Require alkaline tank water
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Relatively intelligent, social and active
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Some species are highly aggressive
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Cichlids are also found in freshwater lakes in the Americas
