Fossil records show cichlids have existed at least 45 million years.
Even 100 generations in aquariums would not erase the instinctual fear of predation from above.
An example of this instinctual fear are the plethora of posts seen on MFK about how JDs seem to constantly hide in many aquarists tanks.
Below is a shot taken in JD habitat in Mexico

I was snorkeling when the cormorant above landed, and all those obvious JDs I had been observing instantly disappeared into caves , into the lower depths.

When the cormorants aren't around, the dithering live bearers indicate to the JDs it is safe, and they are obvious.


Even 100 generations in aquariums would not erase the instinctual fear of predation from above.
An example of this instinctual fear are the plethora of posts seen on MFK about how JDs seem to constantly hide in many aquarists tanks.
Below is a shot taken in JD habitat in Mexico

I was snorkeling when the cormorant above landed, and all those obvious JDs I had been observing instantly disappeared into caves , into the lower depths.

When the cormorants aren't around, the dithering live bearers indicate to the JDs it is safe, and they are obvious.


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