The Cichlids Programmes

Lake Victoria Cichlids
Two species of Lake Victoria cichild (sick-lid) are currently bred at the Aquarium. Before 1960, there were approximately 300 different species of cichlid on Lake Victoria, however when a predator called the Nile Perch was introduced to boost the commercial fishing industry, the effects were devastating and there is thought to be only 100 cichlid species left.  Some of these species survive only in captivity with many now being captive-bred for eventual reintroduction into the wild when the predators are removed and the lake returned to its natural balance.

Madagascan Cichlids
Freshwater fish are the most endangered of Madagascar's endemic vertebrates. Of 92 species, 61 are endangered. This is due to the introduction of non-native fish species; deforestation and smaller fishing meshes being used to catch fish. Along with other aquariums around the world, the London Aquarium is breeding these endangered species to hopefully be reintroduced back into the wild when the situation improves.