Cichlid, any of quite 1,300 species of fishes of the Cichlidae (order Perciformes), many of which are popular aquarium fishes. Cichlids are primarily freshwater fishes and are found in tropical America, mainland Africa and Madagascar, and southern Asia. the bulk of species are African, appearing in great diversity within the major African lakes.
Cichlids are rather deep-bodied and have one nostril (rather than the standard two) on all sides of the top. The lateral line organ is discontinuous, and there are three or more anal spines. they typically have rounded tails and, though sizable for aquarium fishes, usually don’t grow longer than about 30 cm (12 inches). In many species, the rear edges of the dorsal and anal fins are pointed and therefore the pelvic fins are elongated.
Depending on the species, cichlids range from vegetarian to carnivorous. they’re noted for his or her complex mating and breeding behaviour. This usually involves courtship and preparation, maintenance, and defence of the nest and protection of the new young. In certain species, however, referred to as mouth breeders, the eggs aren’t placed during a nest but are carried within the mouth of the parent until hatched. This mouthbrooding behaviour is common to several species of the Tilapia and also to certain other Old World genera. two species are found naturally in Sri Lanka
Etroplus maculatus (Orange Chromide)
The Orange chromide is a species of cichlid that’s endemic to freshwater and brackish streams, lagoons and estuaries in southern India and Sri Lanka. The species is popular with fishkeeping hobbyists and is kept frequently in aquariums.
In the former, its range stretches southwards down the western coast from the state of Maharashtra through Goa, Karnataka, and Kerala states as far as the southern part of the peninsula in Tamil Nadu state.
Records from Sri Lanka are mostly limited to the western coast and pertain to North, North Western, North Central and Western provinces.
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Etroplus suratensis (Green Chromide)
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CHECK THIS OUT : Introduction to Family Aplocheilidae in Sri Lanka
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