cichlid

[ sik-lid ]

noun

1. any of the spiny-rayed, freshwater fishes constituting the family Cichlidae, of South America, Africa, and southern Asia, superficially resembling the American sunfishes and popular in home aquariums.

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the family Cichlidae.

cichlid

/ ˈsɪklɪd /

noun

1. any tropical freshwater percoid fish of the family Cichlidae, which includes the mouthbrooders. Cichlids are popular aquarium fishes

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Cichlidae

Derived Forms

• ˈcichloid, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cichlid¹

1880–85; < New Latin Cichlidae, equivalent to Cichl ( a ) a genus (< Greek kíchlē thrush, wrasse) + -idae -id ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of cichlid¹

C19: from New Latin Cichlidae, ultimately from Greek kikhlē a sea fish