🐟 Fish · size Small
Cichlidé
Aquarium fish, specific biotope.
Photo · MidgleyDJ (CC BY-SA 2.5)
Weight
20–200 g
Size
Small
Lifespan
3–8 ans
Energy
Faible
Maintenance
Faible
Training
Faible
The Cichlidae (cichlids) are a family of fish of the order Cichliformes. It contains more than 200 genera and between 1,600 and 1,800 species, distributed mainly in Africa, Central America, South America, Texas (one species), Israel, Madagascar, Syria, Iran, Sri Lanka, and on the southern coasts of India. Lake Malawi alone is home to nearly a thousand species.
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Many species are imported and sometimes raised in Europe for aquarium purposes, due to their bright colors and sometimes sophisticated behavior. Among its most famous members are the angelfish, oscar, and discus. The massive disappearance of 200 different cichlid species from Lake Victoria, species that have diversified over 12,000 years, illustrates the threats to biodiversity. There is great phenotypic diversity in fish and variability with regard to developmental patterns. Research has mainly focused on the zebrafish model, for which there is much genetic and developmental data. However, it seems that studies are no longer limited exclusively to basic models: "Due to their extreme phenotypic diversity [...], their ecological characterization and their large number of sequenced genomes, [cichlids] constitute an emerging model capable of providing information on the evolution of pigmentation polymorphism in nature."
Compatibility
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Faible
Trainability
Faible
Maintenance
Faible
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Small size (0.02–0.2 kg), adapts to most homes.
- 2Life expectancy: 3 to 8 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
- 3Low exercise needs — suitable for people who are not very active.
- 4Minimal maintenance — little shedding, occasional brushing.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Cichlidé
Our selection
Dry food suited to the Cichlidé
Character
Daily temperament
The sophisticated behavior of cichlids fascinates aquarists. Apart from the learning ability they display in captivity (notably in the oscar, often considered the aquatic equivalent of a dog), one can mention their reproduction mode: when eggs do not benefit from buccal, maternal, paternal or biparental incubation, they are jealously guarded by the parents, who do not hesitate to care for their offspring long after hatching, offering, for some species, their mouth as protection and means of locomotion for the fry. Some cichlids are faithful monogamists, with affective attachment having been confirmed by scientifically proven stress following separation from their partner.
Physical
Breed standard
Dorsal and anal fins composed of spiny rays in the anterior part and soft rays in the posterior part. Pelvic fins equipped with a few hard, pointed spiny rays. Absence of teeth on the palate but presence of pharyngeal teeth and maxillary teeth. Only one pair of nostrils (compared to two for most fish). Lateral line interrupted in most species, in two and sometimes three segments.
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Cichlidé of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of cichlidé (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.
Âge
What human age for a cichlidé ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 3–8 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
Equivalent human age
52years
Mature
Metabolism slows down. Monitor weight and early signs of joint stiffness, and have teeth checked.
Estimate: Proportional estimate: a reference life expectancy of 5 years, scaled to an 80-year human life. No reference veterinary table exists for this species.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Alert
To avoid for fish
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- Pacific tunaModerate
- Copper sulphateModerate
- red meatModerate
- breadLow
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a cichlidé ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for fish. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
5 g
per day · 15 kcal
3 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 320 kcal/100g.
Appears in
Cichlidé in our rankings
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4 breeds ranked by size
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Maximum documented lifespan — 8 years for the Betta
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See the rankingFAQ
Frequently asked questions about Cichlidé
How long does a Cichlid live?+
Is a Cichlid suitable for beginners?+
What basic equipment should be provided?+
If you like this fish
Breeds with similar profiles
For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Cichlidé.
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.