Different Cichlid Fish Types

Many will have many problems when they want to understand the specific type of cichlid that they are facing. The reason for this is that there are a lot of species and all of them have different temperament and appearance. Even the feeding patterns noticed are different. Also, a bunch of fish stores are offering information that is inaccurate and because of this all is tough to understand properly. Although it is true that identifying different types of cichlid fish is sometimes hard there are some tips that will help you out. Let us now analyze what can be expected.

Appearance should be a very important factor in categorizing cichlid fish. What we mean is that there is a need to look at different cichlid fish as a hobby and not do a scientific analysis. The categories and classification below is also based on physical appearance and will help you a lot to identify the fish. Additional info is available and you can easily find it so that you can properly see the species you are looking at. Four main cichlid fish types can be mentioned from this point of view: African, Neotropical, Madagascar and Asian.

You will need to first place your cichlid in a group before making a more accurate identification. Madagascar cichlids stand out as rare and you are more than likely to never find them in supermarkets. Asian cichlids are usually some oddball fish. Sri Lanka and India show 3 main Etroplus genus species. The one that is most common is Etroplus maculates, also known as orange chromide. Its size is small and can easily breed without a problem. Then we have the green chromide (etroplus suratensis) and Etroplus canarensis, the one that is the rarest.

Although we are dealing with around 1500 species there are some possible guidelines to help you see what you are in front. Unfortunately a number of species can only be identified once you do a good Internet or book research. There are five main types of neotropical cichlids: cichlasoma-like cichlids, pike cichlids, apistogramma-like cichlids and eatheater cichlids. African cichlid variations are: Lake Malawi cichlids, West African dwarf cichlids, Lake Victoria cichlids, Lake Tanganyikan cichlids and other cichlids.