These perch-like fishes are considered to be among the most highly evolved species of fish. The best evidence of this is perhaps the amount of parental care shown by the adults when breeding. A pair of adults will often form a 'pair-bond' which will last for years. Cichlids are also among the more aggressive of aquarium fishes. The Red Devil and the Green Terror are among the more aggressive, while the Angelfish and Discus are among the more peaceful of the cichlid family.

For most cichlids, a tank smaller than 20 gallons is cramping. Gravel should be coarse for larger cichlids, and sandy for digging, frisky cichlids. For decoration, use well-anchored, heavy objects such as rocks and driftwood. Plastic plants are recommended, as most cichlids will destroy plants. Large cichlids can break heaters.

Cichlids have well-developed lips and only one nostril on each side of the head. The head, eyes, and scaled are large, and the lateral line is divided in the middle. The anterior rays of the dorsal and anal fins are spiny. Older fish develop a spinal hump and rough scaleds; they do not close their mouth in respiration.

Cichlids are believed by many to be the most intelligent of all fish. Their behavior varies with the species and the individual; while one Jack Dempsey may be real tough and mean, another may be more forgiving of other fishes in its territory.

A breeding pair tests their compatibility by locking jaws and tugging at each other. If one partner breaks this test, it may be attacked by the other. If the "kiss" is favorable, the pair establishes a spawning territory. For several days they scrape a spawning site to clean it. From here on, breeding details depend on the individual species.

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