Tilapia & Cichlid whats the diff's?

[Good_Times]

This is something I've always wondered about, what exactly is the differences between a cichlid and a tilapia.

I know generally tilapia are little bit bigger and less colorful, but why are they classified under 2 different names. The general body form and breeding methods are the same with some variation between species.

I've addded a small pic of Tilapia Sparmanii a local fish that have brilliant red colors on the edges of their fins, which unfortunately can't be seen that clearly on this photo with the red canoe.

Any info is welcome

 

[Cichlaholics Anonymous]

All tilapia species are cichlids obviously.

 

[duanes]

Tilapia is a genus name within the family Cichlidae

 

[Good_Times]

Ok I think I get it now. Something like this


Phyla (chordata)
Class (actinopterygii)
Order (Perciformes)
Family (Cichladae)
Subfamily (Pseudocrenilabrinae)
Genus (Tilapia)
Species (Tilapia Sparmanii)
Variety ()

Thanx guys

 

[Tilapia Guy]

One thing about Tilapia is the Tilapia spot on the dorsal fin.

 

[Good_Times]

One thing about Tilapia is the Tilapia spot on the dorsal fin.

So all species of tilapia has a spot on the dorsal fin? is that what your'e saying?

 

[Tilapia Guy]

So all species of tilapia has a spot on the dorsal fin? is that what your'e saying?

I believe that is the case when the fish are juveniles.

 

[Good_Times]

I believe that is the case when the fish are juveniles.

OK cool, i'll check next time I see one here