african cichlids
- Order:
- Duration: 0:54
- Published: 04 Jun 2010
- Uploaded: 20 Jul 2011
- Author: saaquatic
Cichlids (pronounced /ˈsɪklɨd/) are fishes from the family Cichlidae in the order Perciformes. Cichlids are members of a group known as the Labroidei alongside the wrasses Labridae, damselfish Pomacentridae, and surfperches Embiotocidae.[1] The family Cichlidae is both large and diverse. There are at least 1300 scientifically described species,[2] making it one of the largest vertebrate families. Numerous new species are discovered annually, and many species remain undescribed. The actual number of species is therefore unknown, with estimates varying between 1300 and 3000.[3] Cichlids span a wide range of body sizes, from species as small as 2.5 centimeters (1 in) in length (eg, female Neolamprologus multifasciatus) to much larger species approaching 1 meters (3 ft) in length (eg 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).[4] 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.[5] Many cichlids, particularly the tilapias, are important food fishes, while others are valued game fish (eg Cichla species). The family also includes many familiar <b>...</b>
