Our April issue features five fantastic articles on cichlids from around the globe, spanning South and Central America to East and West Africa
In his beautifully illustrated article on Trichromis salvini, Jan Fioole combines firsthand field experience with long-term aquarium observations to explore the ecology and behavior of this striking Central American cichlid. He describes habitat preferences, courtship and spawning behavior, and intensive parental care, while also addressing intraspecific aggression. The article concludes with thoughtful advice on aquarium layout, diet, and species selection to ensure successful long-term maintenance.
Kwan Ming Tam continues his insightful series on South American eartheaters by focusing on the non-rheophilic Geophagus of the Amazon Basin. Exploring both hobbyist favorites like the “Red Head” G. pyrocephalus and rarer gems like the “extraordinary” G. mirabilis, Tam provides essential identification keys to help readers navigate the complex world of mid-lateral spots and vertical bars. This installment is a must-read for anyone looking to master the taxonomy and care of these mild-tempered cichlids.
Wolfgang Staeck presents an in-depth overview of large piscivorous cichlids, combining evolutionary biology with decades of observational experience. He explains how unrelated species have developed similar predatory adaptations and describes their behavior, reproduction, and environmental niche. Addressing persistent misconceptions, the article shows that with adequate space, thoughtful tank design, and appropriate feeding, these formidable predators can thrive and even reproduce in the aquarium.
In his article on Benitochromis nigrodorsalis, Anton Lamboj introduces a small but captivating ovophilic mouthbrooder from southwestern Cameroon. He outlines its stable pair bonds, biparental brood care, and flexible aquarium requirements, while comparing subtle locality-based color forms. Conservation concerns surrounding the Moliwe population are addressed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining distinct populations within the aquarium hobby.
Ad Konings proposes a significant nomenclature shift in this installment, reviving the genus Paleolamprologus and identifying a monophyletic group of “balteolamprologines.” Beyond the technical changes, Konings explores the natural history of these species—from the algal gardens of Variabilichromis to the nocturnal hunting of P. toae. It is a crucial update for hobbyists seeking to understand the true identities of these iconic cichlids.
In his Tailfin Notes piece, Duane Stuermer discusses the northernmost representative of the Andinoacara genus, highlighting its distribution, habitat, and regional color variation in Panama. He describes its adaptability in rivers and streams, its association with other fish, and considerations for successful aquarium maintenance.
This June 24 to 26, the American Cichlid Association will hold its annual convention in Lexington Kentucky along with the American Livebearer Association and the International Betta Congress. Cichlid News is proud to be a Bronze Sponsor providing a hardcopy magazine for each registration bag. Please check out their website to learn more about the convention and to register for the show.
Over the past several months, the Cichlid News Facebook page has seen significant updates, offering readers an exclusive look behind the scenes at our articles, authors, and featured cichlids. Posts such as Inside the Issue, Author Spotlights, and Behind the Scene highlight the people, research, and species that bring each edition to life, giving our community a deeper connection to the stories and insights that make Cichlid News unique. Be sure to check out our content and then like and follow the page to stay informed about new issue releases and other valuable updates.
We hope you enjoy this month’s issue and the unique perspectives each author brings to the hobby. Whether exploring the nuances of specialized husbandry or documenting groundbreaking field finds and taxonomic shifts, our mission is to deliver the essential stories and data that make cichlids so captivating to the dedicated aquarist. As we look toward future issues, we remain committed to maintaining the high standard of accurate information and compelling narrative that our seasoned community expects.
