The Cichlids of Africa


From Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria in the Great Rift Valley of eastern Africa come some of the most beautiful fresh water fish in the world. These fish display colors and finnage normally seen only in saltwater fish. They live in an environment which is very harsh. They thrive in hard, alkaline water.
Known as the Great Lakes of Africa, Lake Malawi and Tanganyika lie in a valley which is basically a 6000 mile long crack in the earth’s crust. It was formed by violent volcanic activity which caused a portion of the earth’s crust to sink between two parallel fault lines while forcing other portions of the crust up in violent volcanic eruptions.
Lake Victoria, while counted as one of the rift lakes, doesn’t actually lie in the Rift Valley. It lies between the main branch and the western branch of the valley. It is the second largest fresh water lake in the world.
The cichlids of Lake Victoria are very threatened and many species are already extinct in the lake due in a large part to the introduction several years ago of Nile Perch. This large predator has decimated the cichlid population. Many species have gone extinct with out being scientifically described.
Lake Malawi lies in the western branch of the Rift Valley. It is the ninth largest lake in the world at approx. 365 miles long. At its deepest it is over 2000 ft. deep.
The cichlids of Lake Malawi are some of the most brightly colored in the world and has the greatest variety of cichlids found anywhere in the world. To date over 500 different species have been described.
Lake Tanganyika lies in the main branch of the Rift Valley and is the longest lake in the world at over 420 miles long. It reaches depths of over 4500 ft. making it the second deepest lake in the world. This lake is home to over 200 different cichlid species.
The cichlids of Lake Tanganyika, while not usually as colorful as the cichlids of Lake Malawi are known for their beautiful fins. Many Tanganyikans have very long flowing fins. Tanganyika is also home to one of the best known cichlids, the Frontosa.
Cichlids have become a fascination of mine. Currently I have 8 aquariums in my home ranging in size from 5 gallons up to 150 gallons. These are home to cichlids from all three of the lakes as well as some from South America. By far the majority of my fish come from Lakes Malawi & Tanganyika.
As you look through my Gallery you will notice I have put a little information about each of the types of cichlids. I have done this in an effort to educate people about these wonderful fish.
Before you leave please take a moment and sign my guest book.
Thanks for stopping by,
Blair

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