Pseudocrenilabrinae

Pseudocrenilabrinae is a subfamily within the cichlid family (Cichlidae) that comprises the majority of African cichlid species. It is contrasted with the subfamily Cichlinae, which contains American cichlids. Members of Pseudocrenilabrinae are primarily freshwater fishes found across Africa, including the Nile basin, East and West African rivers, the African Great Lakes, and surrounding regions; Madagascar and some adjacent areas also host members of this group, and some species have been introduced elsewhere.

Taxonomically, the subfamily includes several well-known lineages, often grouped into tribes such as Haplochromini, Tilapiini, and Oreochromini, among others. This framework reflects the remarkable diversity of forms and ecologies within the group, from small herbivores to large piscivores, and from stream-dwelling to lacustrine specialists. A defining feature of many members is an elaborated pharyngeal jaw apparatus, which supports diverse feeding strategies and substantial ecological diversification.

Ecology and evolution within Pseudocrenilabrinae are notable for rapid adaptive radiations, especially in East African lakes such as Victoria, Malawi, and Tanganyika. These radiations have produced extensive color, shape, and behavior variation, often driven by competition for resources and sexual selection. Reproduction in many species involves mouthbrooding or substrate spawning with parental care, contributing to their evolutionary dynamics and population structure.

Humans interact with this subfamily through aquaculture and the aquarium trade, particularly with tilapias, which are globally important for food production. Some species have become invasive outside their native ranges, highlighting the need for careful management and conservation of coastal and freshwater habitats where these fishes occur.