|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
Cichlidae
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.
|
|
|
Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "Cichlidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "Cichlidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Cichlidae.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "Cichlidae." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-Cichlidae.html |
|
cichlid
cichlid , common name for members of the family Cichlidae, several hundred species of spiny-finned freshwater fishes of moderate or small size, native to Africa, S Asia, Mexico, and Central and South America. Cichlids are found in tropical waters, where they occupy the same ecological niche as their colder-water relatives, the sunfishes . The larger species are food fish of some importance, and small species are popular as aquarium fish. Cichlids are noted for the care they give their young; the eggs are laid in a basin hollowed in the sand and, until they hatch, are stored in the mouth of either the male or the female, depending on the species. Cichlids are classified in the phylum Chordata , subphylum Vertebrata, class Osteichthyes, order Perciformes, family Cichlidae.
|
|
|
Cite this article
"cichlid." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "cichlid." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-cichlid.html "cichlid." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-cichlid.html |
|
cichlids
cichlids See CICHLIDAE.
|
|
|
Cite this article
MICHAEL ALLABY. "cichlids." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 11 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. MICHAEL ALLABY. "cichlids." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (February 11, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-cichlids.html MICHAEL ALLABY. "cichlids." A Dictionary of Zoology. 1999. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O8-cichlids.html |
|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries:
HighBeam™ Research, Inc. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved.
The Encyclopedia.com advertising network includes:
