Are cichlids evolved from saltwater fish?

[Hybridfish7]

I've been theorizing this for awhile... You take a look at some cichlids, and they look close to almost exactly like some saltwater fish. I've also heard that cichlids can handle and live in decently salty water.
I don't know anything about the evolution of cichlids or anything... but if you take a look at paretroplus nourissati- to me it looks like a grouper or a snapper.

^snapper
(pictures belong to their respected owners)
anyone else have any thoughts on this?

 

[tlindsey]

I've been theorizing this for awhile... You take a look at some cichlids, and they look close to almost exactly like some saltwater fish. I've also heard that cichlids can handle and live in decently salty water.
I don't know anything about the evolution of cichlids or anything... but if you take a look at paretroplus nourissati- to me it looks like a grouper or a snapper.

^snapper
(pictures belong to their respected owners)
anyone else have any thoughts on this?

Yes absolutely

 

[tlindsey]

Yes absolutely

A few species I don't know if every species has though.

 

[Hybridfish7]

after some (short) research- yes, they are evolved from saltwater or brackish ancestors, mostly the african cichlids.

 

[Hybridfish7]

but what about american cichlids? to me they look more like sunfish.
look at a small texas cichlid-

now a green sunfish-

resemblance?

 

[Hybridfish7]

also in my experience as a fisherman, green sunfish spawn in a similar fasion. kind of a mix of substrate spawning and mouth brooding cichlids. The pair lays their eggs in a pit first, (like mouth brooders) but they just leave them there and guard them like substrate spawners.

 

[Nick Park]

Fascinating article about evolution of cichlids here: http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/evol_cich_pt1.php

 

[peathenster]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/whyevo...rine-fish-came-from-freshwater-ancestors/amp/

 

[Niki_up]

Wow, these two articles were both new to me and I never once questioned where Cichlids came from...thanks for sharing, they were enjoyable to read!

 

[exodus1500]

I get asked if my menarambo is salt water all the time. hahah