Cichlids (Cichlidae) are a family of fish belonging to the Perciformes genus, of bony fish species. They are a type of fish that has been very successful in evolutionary terms, mostly freshwater and very popular with aquarists, being one of the most sought-after fish by experts in this field. Numerous new species of cichlids are found each year, many of which have not yet been described.
Cichlids feed on worms, crustaceans, insects and plant matter. The actual number of species in this family is unclear due to estimates varying from 1,300 to 3,000 species, possessing great diversity in shape and unique characteristics and making this one of the largest families of vertebrates.