Which category do cichlids, including angelfish, primarily belong to?

Which category do cichlids, including angelfish, primarily belong to?

• A. Bubble-nest builders
• B. Egg-layers
• C. Egg-scatterers
• D. Livebearers

Answer: (B)

Cichlids, including angelfish, reproduce by laying eggs and then caring for them—external fertilization on a chosen surface, followed by parental protection and care of the eggs and fry. Angelfish are classic substrate spawners: they pair up, clean a flat surface, lay a clutch, and both parents guard and fan the eggs until they hatch. Some cichlids even mouthbrood their eggs, but the process always starts with eggs being laid rather than giving birth to live young. This is different from bubble-nest builders, egg-scatterers, or livebearers, which involve different reproductive styles.

Cichlids, including angelfish, reproduce by laying eggs and then caring for them—external fertilization on a chosen surface, followed by parental protection and care of the eggs and fry. Angelfish are classic substrate spawners: they pair up, clean a flat surface, lay a clutch, and both parents guard and fan the eggs until they hatch. Some cichlids even mouthbrood their eggs, but the process always starts with eggs being laid rather than giving birth to live young. This is different from bubble-nest builders, egg-scatterers, or livebearers, which involve different reproductive styles.