Vertebrate Zoology

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Cichlidae

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Copyright

Cichlidae (cichlids; subclass Actinopterygii, order Perciformes) A very large family of freshwater fish, many of which are rather deep-bodied. They have a single, continuous dorsal fin which can be very high (e.g. in Pterophyllum species, angelfish) or low (e.g. in Symphysodon species, discus fish). The lateral line is interrupted and there is a single pair of nostrils. Cichlids vary in size: Apistogramma ramirezi (butterfly cichlid) does not exceed 6 cm, but other species (e.g. Sarotherodon aureus) grow to 35 cm. Many cichlids are cultivated to supply aquarium hobbyists, being colourful, fairly easy to keep, and showing interesting behavioural traits. Other species of the genera Tilapia and Sarotherodon, e.g. S. mossambicus, are a very important source of protein in many countries. There are probably at least 700 species: most occur in Africa, but they are also found in S. America, India, and parts of the Middle East.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "Cichlidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Cichlidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Cichlidae.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "Cichlidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Cichlidae.html

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cichlids

A Dictionary of Zoology | 1999 | | Copyright

cichlids See CICHLIDAE.

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MICHAEL ALLABY. "cichlids." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 26 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

MICHAEL ALLABY. "cichlids." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 26, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-cichlids.html

MICHAEL ALLABY. "cichlids." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved May 26, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-cichlids.html

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Free newspaper and magazine articles

	Age, growth, and mortality of the Mayan cichlid (Cichlasoma urophthalmus)... Magazine article from: Fishery Bulletin; 1/1/2002
	High niche overlap between two successfully coexisting pairs of Lake Malawi... Magazine article from: Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences; 4/1/2009
	Cichlids divide along color lines: sensory changes may be splitting a fish... Magazine article from: Science News; 10/25/2008