This book covers every cichlid species from western Africa. The beloved species of West and Central Africa, from Senegal to the Congo, are discussed, as are species from the most northern and southwestern continental extremes.

In addition to the better-known and often-kept species, several species that have never been featured in a book before are discussed within, additionally, several currently undescribed species are included. Three chapters discuss the general systematics, natural habits and care of cichlids from western Africa.The book's main focus is the description of every species, most are illustrated with fantastic photographs. Information on the distribution, basic characteristics, ecology and breeding biology, as well as keeping and breeding in aquaria, are presented for each species when available. The superb photography, combined with the individual descriptions, aid the determination of nearly every species. The book is the most comprehensive and up-to-date resource currently available to scientists and aquarists interested in the cichlids of western Africa.