African Cichlids
African cichlids belong to the Cichlidae family, which includes all other cichlids. Cichlids are one of the most diverse groups of fish and many species can be found in Africa. There could be over 1500 species, but most of these still need to be described by scientists. Nearly all African cichlids live in one of three great lakes in East Africa: Lake Malawi, Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika. The most popular species for home aquariums are from Lake Malawi.
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The reason that they are so popular is that they’re some of the most colorful fish available.
Each species has its own patterns and colors, so there will always be one that suits you and your tank.
African cichlids need a water temperature of 75-85°F and pH of 7.8-8.6 should keep most species healthy. Africa’s great lakes have quite hard water, 4-6 dH, so try not to use soft water in your tank.
Moderate lighting is fine for them.
Lake Malawi Cichlids
Malawi Cichlids categorized in 3 groups
1. Mbuna
2. Peacock
3. Haplochromis
The cichlid fishes of Lake Malawi are famously diverse. However, phylogenetic and population genetic studies of their history have been difficult because of the great amount of genetic variation that is shared between species.
Lake Tanganyika Cichlids
there were over 500 species in the lake, many of them endemic. The majority of these species belong to the tribe Haplochromini in the cichlid family. Haplochromine cichlids are small, often brightly colored, and well adapted to a wide range of habitats and ecological niches.
Lake Victoria Cichlids
It is estimated that 98% of all Lake Tanganyika cichlids are endemic to the lake. With more than 250 species of cichlid living in Lake Tanganyika, these fish exhibit a wide variety of colors and patterns. Some of the colors you may see in these cichlids include red, yellow, blue, green, black, and brown.
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