Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: History and Info On Cichlid Fish

The Family Cichlidae , which our cichlids come
from is an extremely diverse family and cichlids
inhabit a multitude of different environments.
The different cichlid species have developed in
order to fit their own specific niches. Cichlid
species because of this, differ in size, the way
they feed, character and their ability to cope
with water conditions

Aquarists usually divide the cichlid species into
three main groups

*African cichlids

*Central and North American cichlids

*South American cichlids

The largest known cichlid species can reach a
size of 50 to 100 centimetres. This can be
compared to the smallest cichlids, the dwarf
cichlids in the Apistrogramma group that never
grows larger than 3 centimetres.

These small cichlids can actually benefit from a
larger aquarium, since it is easier for the owner
to keep up the water quality in a big aquarium
with plenty of water. Another interesting fact is
that cichlids have teeth in both the upper and
the lower jaw and in the throat!

You will find the most popular cichlid species are

*Jack Dempsey

*Discus

*Angelfish

*Oscars

Cichlids are a member of the order Perciformes
which posses two pharyngeal bones forming a
triangle which is located in the throat. Some
varieties actually possess teeth in their
throats.Cichlids are categorized as secondary
division freshwater fish. This info tells us that
the ancestor of todays cichlids were marine fish.

There was a point in history where cichlid fish
entered the freshwater environment and have since
thrived and flourished. When it comes to
reproduction methods there are two categories
because all cichlids are egg layers. One group
will brood their eggs in their mouths, usually
performed by the female.

The other type lay their eggs in crevices amongst
rocks, cracks of a log and even in the
substrate.Some species will abandon their
hatchlings at birth and others will nurture their
young for several months then abandon them.

Cichlids are found in many tropical and
subtropical areas of the world.From southern
Texas southward through Central and South America
to the northern regions of Argentina and southern
Uruguay.They can be found on many af the
Caribbean islands. Then there is

*Africa

*Syria

*Israel

*Southern Iran

*Madagascar

*India

*Sri Lanka

To date there is some 1,900 species known and
described to man, with many scientists beleiveing
there there could be just as many still to be
discovered. They continue to be discovered at a
growing rate, and there is at least 20 new
varietys found described every year.

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