Sat, 02 May 2026 00:44:28 +0000

Ten Surprising Facts About African Cichlids That Will Change How You See Them African cichlids are far more than colorful aquarium staples—they are a fascinating family of freshwater fish with wildly surprising traits and behaviors that often surpass what aquarists or casual observers expect. From extraordinary intelligence to surprising mating rituals and extraordinary adaptability, these fascinating fish are shaping our understanding of both evolution and ecosystem complexity. Here are ten surprising facts about African cichlids that will transform the way you see these extraordinary fish. --- ### 1. African Cichlids Evolved Over 100 Million Years in isolation—Inside a Single Lake