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Taxa

Cichlidae

Fish Families

Cichlidae, whose members are called cichlids, is a large, diverse and widespread family of percomorph fish in the order Cichliformes. At least 1,760 species have been scientifically described, making cichlids one of the largest vertebrate families, surpassed only by Cyprinidae in species diversity, and they inhabit the Neotropics, Africa including Madagascar, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, with some populations introduced elsewhere in the world.

Facts
Partially Attested
Member Species/Taxa Count
1760 1
The source says at least 1,760 species have been described and estimates the true number at 2,000 to 3,000
Distinguishing Appearance
A wide range of body sizes 1
The quoted clause states that body size varies widely and does not describe a single shared appearance
Taxonomic Rank
Family 1
Geographic Distribution
Neotropics, Africa including Madagascar, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, with some species introduced worldwide 1
Defining Characteristics
All cichlids practice some form of parental care, usually guarding the eggs and fry or mouthbrooding 1
Sources
1. Cichlid, Wikipedia
  • Lead section, first sentence
    are a large, diverse, and widespread family of percomorph fish
  • Lead section, species count sentence
    At least 1,760 species have been scientifically described
  • Lead section, range sentence
    They are native to the Neotropics, Africa (including Madagascar), the Middle East, and the Indian subcontinent, although some species have been introduced worldwide.
  • Behaviour section, parental care sentence
    All cichlids practice some form of parental care for their eggs and fry, usually in the form of guarding the eggs and fry or mouthbrooding.
  • Description section, size sentence
    Cichlids span a wide range of body sizes
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