Cichlid Fishes, The by George W. Barlow Having evolved hundreds of different species in the Great Lakes of East Africa, the cichlid is described as the most successful of all families of vertebrate animals. Its uncanny capability to adapt to myriad and changing environmental factors establishes the group as a darling among evolutionary biologists.
Hobbyists also find the plethora of varieties makes cichlids a welcome attraction in aquariums.
Barrow, an ichthyologist with a particular fascination for cichlids, weaves a tale of the life and times of these creatures that is rife with nuggets of fascination. He reveals, for instance, that these fish can change gender, they tend to be monogamous creatures that nurture their young, and they have evolved communication signals that they use in establishing territory and mating. In all, Barrow presents a thorough overview of cichlid life and perseverance.