Diamonds of the Aqua world Cichlids Diamonds of the Aqua world Dawson.H

Taxonomy Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Actinopterygii Order: Cichliformes Family: Cichlidae

Three things you should know Taxonomy At least 1,650 species have been scientifically described, making it one of the largest vertebrate families. In cichlid taxonomy, dentition was formerly used as a classifying characteristic. However, this was complicated by the fact that in many cichlids, tooth shape changes with age, due to wear, and cannot be relied upon. Three things you should know Cichlid taxonomy is still debated, and classification of genera cannot yet be definitively given.

Anatomy Characteristics What make the cichlids looks like a “Cichlid”

Anatomy Size 2.5 cm ~ Near1 m

Anatomy Body shape Elongated ~ strongly laterally compressed

Anatomy 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 labor between the "true jaws" (mandibles) and the "pharyngeal jaws". Dentary Trait

Distribution Most abundant in Africa (estimated 1,600 species) Madagascar has its own distinctive species (Katria, Oxylapia, Paratilapia, Paretroplus, Ptychochromis, and Ptychochromoides) South America & Mexico (estimated 120 species) Asia has the least diversity (14 species)

Ecology Feeding ·Many cichlids are primarily herbivores, feeding on algae (e.g. Petrochromis) and plants (e.g. Etroplus suratensis). ·Detritivores and eat organic material. ·Predatory and eat little or no plant matter.

Ecology Feeding ·Among cichlids exist some weird feeding habit, specialized sponge eaters. However the most unusual feeding strategies are those of Corematodus, Docimodus evelynae, Plecodus, Perissodus, and Genyochromis spp., which feed on scales and fins of other fishes

Horrible isn’t it

Ecology Breeding Most cichlids have territory awareness. They will get and defend their field for a better chance of attracting a female… Cichlids are responsible parents, they either watch their eggs by the side or use the strategy of mouth brooding.

Ecology Breeding

Importance As to Ecosystem As to Human · Top predators that maintains the ecosystem integrity in terms of species and genetic composition. As to Human ·Ornamental value ·Serve as food

Cichlid Common Knowledge The cichlids are, mainly, divided into 2 groups – African and American As for ornamental fish, African cichlids mainly come from three great lakes: L. Malawi, L. Tanganyika, L. Victoria. However, the V. Cichlids are rarely seen on the market due to the pollution of the Victoria lake. American cichlids mainly comes from south America. The most famous species is the Symphysodon the discus.

Cichlid Common Knowledge Nearly all cichlids has the territorial awareness, which means that they will fight against each other and form hierarchy in a group. Most cichlids are responsible parents. (Mouth brooding, Caring for eggs)

And… That’s all, thank you.