🐠 Cichlids Overview: Over 1,300 species in the family Cichlidae
🌍 Origin: North & South America, Africa (major lakes Tanganyika, Victoria, Malawi), Madagascar, and southern Asia
🎨 Appeal: Colorful, hardy, and adaptable—popular in aquariums
📏 Size: Mostly 2"–6", some up to 36"
⚔️ Behavior: Can be territorial and aggressive
💧 Habitat: Mostly freshwater; some tolerate slight salinity (e.g., Mayan Cichlid)
🌈 Variety: Wide range of colors and behaviors
🏡 Care: Require proper husbandry and habitat for rewarding pets