Due to the large number of Cichlid species I've created several book lists, including this one focused on African Cichlids. The books are listed in order of publication, with the most recently published books first. Keep in mind that often some of the older volumes are still among the best reference books.

African Cichlid populations are centered largely around three lakes: Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria. These books cover the hundreds of species of Cichlids in African lakes, rivers and streams.

•Lake Tanganyika Cichlids

Much like prior Cichlid books, this Barron's book does a good job of providing solid basics for the subject at hand. Covering Lake Tanganyika Cichlids, the book explains how to set up a tank for these species and how to maintain a healthy environment. Diet as well as potential diseases are covered as well. Another section covers how to spawn and raise young Lake Tanganyika Cichlids. Photos of most species are included along with species profiles. Although this is not a large comprehensive volume, it covers all the key topics and is very affordable.

Publish Date: 2007
Author(s): Mark Smith
Publisher: Barron's Educational Series; 2nd edition
Paperback: 96 pagesBuy from Amazon »

•Malawi Cichlids in their Natural Habitat

Hands down the best reference yet on Malawi Cichlids. Building on the Back to Nature volume published in 2003, this book contains over 400 pages of information, including photos of over 800 species. It is the culmination of dozens of expeditions and is as comprehensive as any book on the subject. For those on a tight budget it may be too pricey, but for those who want to invest in a top-notch reference this is the one. If you can't afford this volume, consider the 2003 book, Back to Nature: Malawi Cichlids, as an good alternative.

Publish Date: 2007
Author(s): Ad Konings
Publisher: Cichlid Press; 4 edition
Hardcover: 424 pagesMore »

•Back to Nature: Guide to Tanganyika Cichlids

Part of the Back to Nature series authored by Ad Konings, this is another excellent reference on African Cichlids. If you enjoyed the 1996 Guide to Tanganyika Cichlids, you will like this book even more. Mr Konings has updated the prior version considerably and included information about tank setup, species care and feeding, as well information about common diseases. Breeding and how to raise young is covered and nearly 600 photos included. The price is a bit higher than the basic Barron's series, but the additional information and photos are well worth the cost.

Publish Date: 2005
Author(s): Ad Konings
Publisher: Cichlid Press; 2 edition
Hardcover: 192 pagesMore »

•Aqualog: African Cichlids III Malawi II Peacocks

The third of the Aqualog books to cover African Cichlids focus on the genus Aulonocara, better known as the beautiful Peacock family. Containing nearly 500 color photos, it is an excellent reference for identification of this stunning family of fish.

Publish Date: 2005
Author(s): Erwin Schraml
Publisher: Hollywood Import & Export, Inc.
Hardcover: 128 pagesBuy from Amazon »

•Aqualog: African Cichlids II Tanganyika I Tropheus

Aqualog series are excellent reference books that are designed to be updated over time with supplementary publications. This volume is the second in the African series and focuses on the genus Tropheus, which is found only in Lake Tanganyika. Included are photos of all known color variations at the time of publication, and as additional variations are described supplements are provided. For anyone who wants a definitive reference for Tropheus identification, this is the book to have.

Publish Date: 2003
Author(s): Peter Schupke
Publisher: Verlag A.C.S. GmbH.
Hardcover: 190 pagesMore »

•Back to Nature: Malawi Cichlids

Written by a well respected authority on Cichlids, Ad Konings, this is an excellent and detailed reference that covers the popular Malawi Cichlids. Includined is a map of the native habitat and hundreds of color photos to aid in fish identification. It covers how to set up the proper environment for these fish, as well as care and feeing information. Considerable breeding information is also included in this 200+ page volume. In my estimation, for the serious Cichlid owner this book is worth the price tag.

Publish Date: 2003
Author(s): Ad Konings
Publisher: Cichlid Press
Hardcover: 208 pagesMore »

•Lake Malawi Cichlids

Geared for new owners, or those considering keeping Lake Malawi Cichlids, this is a good basic reference. The book covers aquarium setup and maintenance, and includes basic care and feeding information. One section is devoted to the two basic African Cichlid groups, the Haps and the Mbunas. Another section is devoted to spawning techniques, including information about how to successfully raise fry. At under ten dollars this book provides a lot of bang for the buck and is worth adding to your library.

Publish Date: 2000
Author(s): Mark Smith
Publisher: Barron's Educational Series
Paperback: 96 pagesMore »

•Aqualog: African Cichlids I Malawi-Mbuna

This is the first of three volumes that cover the various African Cichlids. Like all Aqualog books, it is full of outstanding color photos that assist in species identification. Covered in this volume are the Mbunas, which is one of the most popular African Cichlid families. Although originally published in 1998, there are updates that can be added to back of the book to keep it current with the most recently discovered species. For anyone who wants a Mbuna reference, this is a good book.

Publish Date: 1998
Author(s): Erwin Schraml
Publisher: Aquaristik - Consulting & Service GmbH; 1 edition
Hardcover: 240 pagesMore »

•Cichlids from West Africa

This is an older book, but it has a good deal of worthwhile information. Some of the information is dated and species that many have been described since its publication are absent. However, if you look for a used copy you can add it to your library for a couple of dollars. At that price it is well worth it.

Publish Date: 1995
Author(s): Horst Linke
Publisher: Voyageur Press
Hardcover: 200 pagesMore »

•African Cichlids II: Cichlids from Eastern Africa

Like the companion book "Cichlids from West Africa", this is an older publication. Keep in mind that some of the information is dated and some species that many have been described since its publication are absent. However, it does have some good info and a used copy is dirt cheap. For the small price it's worth having in your library.

Publish Date: 1995
Author(s): Wolfgang Staeck and Horst Linke
Publisher: Tetra Press
Hardcover: 200 pagesMore »