Cichlids

Cichlids show an incredible range of adaptation in their native Lake Malawi, which some scientists estimate may hold more than 1,000 distinct fish species. Nine species can be seen in the tank: the blue mbuna, slender tapir, bluestreak hap, Nyasa golden, mbuna, Lake Malawi, cobalt blue zebra, electric blue and mouthbrooder. The mouthbrooder’s name comes from its adaptation, shared with nearly all cichlids, of carrying its eggs in its mouth until they hatch.

When the cichlid tank originally opened, overpopulation was a concern. The zoo had carnivorous fish reserved that were meant to be introduced into the tank to consume fry (young fish) if it became overpopulated. The cichlid numbers have remained stable, so the carnivorous fish have been sent elsewhere. If while watching the tank, you see what looks to be predation, it may be a mother’s care instead. Even after eggs hatch, mouthbrooders will gather their fry in their mouth to protect them from predators.

Leaving Africa

As you leave Regenstein African Journey, you’ll see posters and photographs detailing research that Lincoln Park Zoo conducts with African collaborators. This research extends the zoo’s mission of conservation and education beyond Chicago, and some of its results can be seen in the efforts to replicate the habitat, social structure and behavior of animals in the wild.

These efforts aren’t unique to RAJ. Similar work is performed throughout the zoo, and the knowledge gained here about the relationship between exhibit design, enrichment and animal behavior can be used to study any exhibit. As you extend your expertise to the zoo’s other buildings, be sure to share what you know with the people around you. You might just inspire them to become experts as well.