Cichlids are fish from a very large and diverse family, the Cichlidae. The Cichlids family consists of a large variety of fish species with various body shapes and sizes the smallest being about 2.5 centimeters (1.0 in) in length at maturity, while the larger species can reach up to about 1 metre (3 ft) in length. Many of the Cichlid fish family are edible fish such as tilapia.

Most cichlids available in our aquariums nowadays can be classified into two categories: New World cichlids and African cichlids. Generally, Cichlids tend to be of medium size. Many species, including the Angel Fish, Oscars, and Discus, are also highly valued in the aquarium trade. A vast majority of the Cichlids found today in our aquariums are captive bred. There is still a small market for Wild Caught Cichlids.