Cichlids (SICK-lids, not chich-lets) are a type of fish that is found in the Americas and Africa. Cichlids are characterized by being at least somewhat territorial, and also by being more intelligent than your average fish - even though some of them are purely herbivorous. South American Cichlids come in a range of colors, sizes, and shapes, from the tiny dwarf ram to the farmiliar oscar. Some, like the dwarf ram and other dwarf cichlids, can be kept together in numbers without fear of them harming their fellows. Most others are territorial enough that having more than one in a tank is a bad idea, unless you are lucky enough to end up with a breeding pair. The only large SA cichlid I can think of that is not territorial is the discus, which is notoriously hard to keep (they tend to up-and-die on you for no apparent reason). African Cichlids have the same general slender body shape, but range in size from 4" to over 12", and are some of the most colorful freshwater fishes available. They inhabit the rift lakes in africa, which have a pH of ~8.0.