What exactly is 'New World Cichlids'

New World Cichlids, often referred to as South or Central American Cichlids. They are hardy, easy to care for and add brilliant color to the freshwater aquarium.

Here’s a good read, a 5 part series of articles by prof. Dean Hougen

Acaras : Cichlasoma, Aequidens, Bujurquina, Tahuantinsuyoa, Krobia, Ladacara, Cleithracara, Nannacara.

Includes such fish commonly known as  Blue Acara, Green Terror, and Keyhole Cichlid.

High Bodied Acaras : Heros, Hypselacara, Hoplarcus, Mesonauta, Pterophyllum, Symphysodon, Uaru, Acaronia, Caquetaia.

This part includes such fish as Discus, Angelfish, Parrot Cichlid, Severum, Festivum, Uaru

North America and some close relative : Thorichthys, Archocentrus, Herichthys, Mandopsis, Theraps, Amphilophus.   Neetroplus, Paraneetroplus, Herotila, Petenia. 

Cichlids discussed include those commonly known as Jack Dempsey, Convict, Firemouth Cichlid, jurupari, Red Devil, Rainbow Cichlid.

Geophagines : Geophagus, Satanoperca, Hump-head eartheaters, Brasiliensoids, Gymnogeophagus, Biotodoma, Retroculus, Acarichthys, Guianacara, Papiliochromis, Apistogramma, Apistograminoides.

The Eartheaters, Apistogramma species, Rams.

Miscellaneous Genera : Cichla, Crenicieblines, Crenicarines, Chactobranchines. 

Includes Pike Cichlids, Checkerboard Cichlids, Oscar.