American

American Cichlids | Fish | Smiths Aquarium

Together with the South American cichlids, the Central and North American cichlids form a group known as American Cichlids. Almost all the Central and North American cichlids are monogamous substrate breeders. Unlike the South American cichlids, a majority of the Central and North American cichlids originates from one single lineage - the Cichlasomine. The Central and North American cichlids that do not originate from Cichlasomine are found in Panama and have probably developed in South America and later reached Panama.

Since Central and North American cichlids inhabit various environments in a large region of the world, they have naturally adapted to different conditions and their preference will vary when it comes to water chemistry, temperature etc... Compared to South American cichlids, the Central and North American cichlids display smaller variations when it comes to soft and acidic waters. In South America you will find cichlids in the exceptionally soft and acidic blackwaters, but such environments do not exist in Central and North America. It should be noted that comparatively soft and acidic waters can be found in Central and North America, but the hardiness and pH-levels are less dramatic in that part of the world. In Central and North America you will on the other hand find some waters that are extremely hard and alkaline.