The cichlid fishes are an important group, being widely used in scientific research and as popular fish with aquarists. This group contains mainly small species which adjust quickly to captivity, exhibiting a readiness to breed and long periods of parental care for the young. This books comprehensive volume describes the current knowledge on the behaviour and ecology of the cichlid fishes. The authors place emphasis on the phylogenetic relationships among the recognised species, the distribution and ecology of lake and river-living species, feeding, sexual and parental care behaviour and communication. There is a chapter on the effect of the introduction of the Nile perch on the cichlid fishes of Lake Victoria and a review of the present status of cichlid fishes used internationally in aquaculture systems. This work will be of interest in cichlid fishes and in ecology and animal behaviour generally.