Unlike many fish that leave their eggs, cichlids are dedicated parents. Some are mouthbrooders , carrying eggs and fry in their mouths for protection, while others guard their young in pits or on rocks.
Most cichlids are highly territorial , especially when breeding. This makes proper tank setup and mate selection critical for aquarium hobbyists. Popular Groups & Species Cichlid Fish Care Profiles cichlid fish
Sizes range from tiny 1-inch (2.5 cm) shell dwellers to giants like the African giant cichlid , which can reach up to 3 feet (1 m). Unlike many fish that leave their eggs, cichlids
Often called "smart" fish, many species can recognize their owners, learn feeding routines, and even move objects to arrange their environment. many species can recognize their owners