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How to Identify and Classify Cichlids - Test
Contributed by: Wallis
  • 1. What is the most common characteristic used for initial cichlid identification?
A) Body shape and finnage
B) Eye size
C) Gill raker count
D) Scale color
  • 2. Which fin is most often used to distinguish between cichlid species?
A) Pelvic fin
B) Pectoral fin
C) Caudal fin
D) Dorsal fin
  • 3. What type of mouth do most cichlids possess?
A) Terminal
B) Inferior
C) Lateral
D) Superior
  • 4. What is a key difference between African and South American cichlids regarding lateral line structure?
A) Presence of lateral lines
B) Lateral line color
C) Number of lateral lines
D) Lateral line length
  • 5. What is often the best indicator of a cichlid's geographic origin?
A) Collection point data
B) Diet
C) Color pattern
D) Size at maturity
  • 6. Which of these is a common feeding behavior observed in cichlids?
A) Mouthbrooding
B) Filter feeding
C) Barbels
D) Surface skimming
  • 7. What physical characteristic is most often used to differentiate sexes in dimorphic cichlids?
A) Fin size
B) Teeth shape
C) Scale pattern
D) Coloration
  • 8. What feature of the dorsal fin can vary widely between cichlid species?
A) Placement
B) Length
C) Color
D) Spine count
  • 9. What is the significance of 'egg spots' on the anal fin of some cichlids?
A) They aid in camouflage.
B) They are a sign of disease.
C) They are used for communication.
D) They attract females for fertilization.
  • 10. What is a common characteristic of substrate spawning cichlids?
A) They carry eggs in their mouths.
B) They scatter eggs randomly.
C) They lay eggs on plants.
D) They lay eggs on rocks or in pits.
  • 11. Which group of cichlids are known for their specialized teeth for scraping algae?
A) Discus
B) Mbuna
C) Peacock Cichlids
D) Angelfish
  • 12. What is a key difference between Tropheus and Petrochromis cichlids?
A) Coloration Patterns
B) Teeth Shape
C) Spawning behavior
D) Overall Size
  • 13. What region of Africa is home to the greatest diversity of cichlids?
A) The Zambezi River
B) The Congo River Basin
C) The African Great Lakes
D) The Nile River
  • 14. What is the primary diet of most South American cichlids?
A) Herbivorous
B) Omnivorous
C) Insectivorous
D) Carnivorous
  • 15. What behavioral trait can help identify cichlid species?
A) Scale pattern
B) Eye color
C) Aggression level
D) Gill size
  • 16. What external anatomical feature is not commonly considered when identifying cichlids?
A) Fin rays
B) Lip thickness
C) Operculum shape
D) Lateral line scales
  • 17. What specialized adaptation allows some cichlids to thrive in alkaline lake environments?
A) High tolerance to ammonia
B) Specialized gills
C) Salt-secreting cells
D) Osmoregulatory kidneys
  • 18. Which of these is a commonly used characteristic to classify cichlids by family?
A) Pharyngeal Jaw Structure
B) Dorsal Fin Color
C) Caudal Fin Shape
D) Eye Size
  • 19. What group of cichlids are known for forming shell dwellings?
A) Lamprologus
B) Pterophyllum
C) Geophagus
D) Apistogramma
  • 20. What is a key difference between Apistogramma and Crenicichla cichlids?
A) Geographic location
B) Size and aggression
C) Diet
D) Spawning method
  • 21. What structure helps cichlids process food more efficiently?
A) Esophageal valve
B) Gill rakers
C) Pyloric caeca
D) Pharyngeal teeth
  • 22. What does 'endemism' mean in the context of cichlid identification?
A) Highly aggressive
B) Easy to breed
C) Susceptible to disease
D) Native to a specific area
  • 23. What characteristic is often affected by a cichlid's social hierarchy?
A) Fin length
B) Body size
C) Scale count
D) Dominance coloration
  • 24. Which type of cichlids often have elongated bodies and pointed snouts?
A) Mbuna
B) Pike cichlids
C) Discus
D) Angelfish
  • 25. What is a common adaptation for cichlids living in murky waters?
A) Enhanced lateral line
B) More streamlined body
C) Larger eyes
D) Brighter coloration
  • 26. What fin is most often used for complex movements in cichlids?
A) Anal fin
B) Pectoral fin
C) Dorsal fin
D) Caudal fin
  • 27. What is the term for the dark vertical bars seen on many cichlids?
A) Dominance patterns
B) Stress bars
C) Camouflage markings
D) Breeding stripes
  • 28. What is the primary role of the nuchal hump in some male cichlids?
A) Sensory organ
B) Energy storage
C) Display and dominance
D) Hydrodynamic aid
  • 29. What is the best way to confirm the identity of a cichlid species?
A) Guess based on appearance
B) Compare against scientifically described species
C) Ask other hobbyists
D) Look for similar pictures online
  • 30. What environmental factor greatly influences cichlid coloration?
A) Air temperature
B) Substrate color
C) Water parameters
D) Tank size
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