Intro to Cichlids from Lake Victoria Basin

Intro to Cichlids from Lake Victoria Basin

Cichlids are a type of freshwater fish known as a "secondary-division," since they have a marine fish ancestry. They are a popular, colorful addition to a moderate-to-aggressive freshwater aquarium community. Easily recognized by their single, continuous dorsal fin, the 2,00 currently known cichlid species can be found worldwide, in both tropical and non-tropical locations.

Known as the largest tropical lake in the world, Lake Victoria is located in the African countries of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The cichlids of Lake Victoria actually include the species in surrounding locations. Due to the similarities between species, the group in and around Lake Victoria is known to ichthyologists as Lake Victoria basin cichlids. More than 90% of the Lake Victoria basin fish species are cichlids, with estimations at about 600 current species.

Although there are three different categories of Lake Victoria basin cichlids, the Haplochromines make up more than 99% of the cichlid species present. The other two categories are the Tilapiines, and the lone species of Astatoreochromis known as alluaudi. All of the Lake Victoria basin cichlids have taken advantage of every possible habitat opportunity: grass and reed beds, sandy areas, muddy areas, over and in rocks, and open lake waters as well. The variety of foods consumed by these cichlids is also diverse, such as algae, zooplankton, plant scrapings, sponges, crabs, and others.

The Lake Victoria basin cichlids have multiple color mutations. The most common are orange and black blotching, black and white blotching (known as piebald), blue and black mutations, and an anal fin color mutation. The rock-dwelling cichlid species seem to have the largest propensity for color mutations.

Although many specialty pet shops carry a large variety of cichlids, it may be easier to find a breeder who specializes in cichlids. Breeders who focus on the breeding and raising of captive cichlids are much more knowledgeable about this incredible group of fishes, and are far more likely to have a hardy specimen for your aquarium. Look online to find a reputable breeder, or consider utilizing a fish classifieds site such as Fishyfieds.

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