If you’re looking for detailed information about numerous cichlid species, there is a new site called Aquarist Atlas. However, the site is not confined to cichlids. You can find information about thousands of species of freshwater tropical fish here. Quite frankly, it may be the best, most comprehensive source about tropical freshwater fish species on the Web.
What separates this site from others?
- It’s free. There is no subscription required and there is no pay wall.
- No advertisements. This means no stupid pop-up windows or other ignorant things to get in the way of either navigating or enjoying the site.
- It’s comprehensive. To my knowledge, there is no other site like it online that provides the same range of information about the species detailed.
- It’s open access. There is no login required to access any of the site’s contents.
- Users can contribute directly. Do you have your own nice photo of a species found on the site that you would like to share? You can upload it. In fact, you can upload up to five photos of each species.
Though the site is still in development, the current content is expansive. Just about anything you want/need to know about a species, from where it’s natively found to how to sex it, is included. It even has a section devoted to common fish health and diseases.
Who built the site and who owns it? The site does not identify the creator other than to say it is a hobbyist, but I know who it is. I don’t state that out of arrogance or to boast, but rather because I have been trying to get an interview with him for several weeks. I will eventually, so stay tuned.
In the meantime, check out the site!