Title: Freshwater Fish
Species #:54
Common Name: Cichlids Scientific Name: Cichlidae Kingdom: Animilia
Phylum: Cichlidae
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Geography / Habitat: Most cichlids inhabit lakes or the sluggish areas of rivers, but there are few species adapted to swift flowing stream. Most cichlids are distinguished from all other freshwater fish by the existence of two unique features; a single opening of the nostrils and an interrupted lateral line. Life Strategy: As family, cichlids display complex behaviors in feeding, reproduction and orientate care. The exploratory behavior of cichlids is also very important because this is what initially encouraged and later refined speciation. Food / Feed Strategy: They eat algae, zooplankton, phytoplankton, whole fish, larvae or eggs of mouth brooding species.
Body Form or Style: Fusiform Swim / Locomotion Style: Carangiform Mouth Position: Terminal Citation: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/index.html