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Cichlids are fishes from the family Cichlidae in the order Perciformes. Cichlids are members of a group known as the Labroidei along with the wrasses Labridae, damselfish Pomacentridae, and surfperches Embiotocidae.
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This family is both large and diverse. At least 1,300 species have been scientifically described, making it one of the largest vertebrate families.
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New species are discovered annually, and many species remain undescribed. The actual number of species is therefore unknown, with estimates varying between 1,300 and 3,000.
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Cichilds fish aquarium.