A family of perchlike freshwater fish characterized by a laterally flattened body, with spines in the dorsal and anal fins, have only a single nostril on each side, have a divided lateral line, and lack a subocular shelf. Cichlids are found naturally in India, Central and South America, Madagascar, and Africa and are a popular freshwater aquarium fish.

any of a family of mostly tropical, spiny-finned usually freshwater fishes used for the fishing industry and aquariums in the home; Water

A generic term referring to a group of freshwater fish commonly found in India, South America and Africa.

A large family of fish made up of a variety of species. Characterized by dual nostrils and their level of parental care. Cichlidae.

freshwater fishes of tropical America and Africa and Asia similar to American sunfishes; some are food fishes; many small ones are popular in aquariums

a kind of fish, and a cist is a burial chamber

Cichlids (pronounced “sick-lids”) are fishes from the family Cichlidae in the order Perciformes. The family Cichlidae, a major family of perciform fish, is both large and diverse. Estimates of species range from 1300 to 1900, making it one of the three largest vertebrate families.Kullander, S.O., 1998.