They have a reputation as bullies. The cichlids are a very diversified family from Central and South America and tropical Africa, with even a few from the Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. This is the one family that destroys my hypothesis that the maintenance requirements can be well established if you know what family a fish belongs to. This family includes fish with special water requirements on both ends of the scale. Almost all cichlids are less tolerant of laxity in the maintenance of good water quality than other tropicals.
Most cichlids have a classical fish shape.
They tend to have very prominent fins and posses all of the colors of the rainbow. They come in subdued colors and in gaudy ones. Some will eat almost anything that can be thrown into the tank, whereas others have specialized feeding requirements. Quite simply because of their behavior. They are among the most intelligent of fishes.