Cichlids are one of the most numerous families of fish that fascinate aquarists around the world with their diversity and unique care for their offspring. The German Cichlid Society (DCG), the largest aquarist association in the world, has been dedicated to the protection and research of these fish since 1970. With more than 1,300 members, regular publications, and regional meetings, DCG promotes the exchange of knowledge and the protection of endangered species, among other things through targeted breeding and support for scientific projects.
Cichlids are among the most popular ornamental fish in aquaristics, and some larger species are even significant for consumption. With approximately 1,700 described species, cichlids are the third most numerous family of fish. They are distributed across many continents and particularly fascinate aquarists with their diverse breeding behaviors and unique care of offspring.
The German Cichlid Society e.V. (DCG), founded on February 7, 1970, currently has approximately 1,300 members from all over Germany, other European countries, and even the USA. The DCG is divided into regional branches and working groups throughout Germany and neighboring countries. Here, lectures, auctions, and meetings for personal exchange of experiences take place. Aquarists gather here who have been successfully dedicated to this hobby for decades and are happy to share their valuable knowledge.
DCG-Information, a monthly magazine for members, which is sent free of charge to every member, is an excellent source for disseminating expert and scientific information. Aquarists and scientists inform about current events and interesting facts from the world of cichlids. Articles about cichlids from around the world, reports from expeditions to their natural habitats, as well as contributions about successful breeding complement general topics such as fish diseases, aquaristic technology, and proper fish feeding.
The first descriptions and articles on the systematics and nomenclature of cichlids have also been published. An important part of the journal is the section DCG-Current, where you can learn everything about the activities of regions and working groups, as well as about major aquaristic events.
On the website www.dcg-online.de, alongside many other sections, there is the DCG encyclopedia, where decades of information, articles, photographs, and literary references are collected. Through the species protection section, DCG actively contributes to species conservation. It records endangered species of cichlids and has been caring for their successful breeding and rearing for many years.
More and more species of fish in nature are becoming extinct due to the destruction of their habitats, but in aquariums, they can get a chance to survive. Particularly valuable is the support of aquarists who, through their responsible approach and breeding, protect endangered ornamental fish and plant species.
Since 1999, DCG has supported scientific research focused on cichlids in their natural habitats through its own grant program. This grant is awarded annually to scientific institutions worldwide to support selected research topics chosen from a list of proposals. In this way, behavioral, systematic, and zoogeographic research is supported.
Membership in DCG, the largest aquaristic association in the world, costs only 4.50 € per month. By joining DCG, you significantly expand and deepen your knowledge of cichlid breeding.
For non-binding information, visit www.dcg-online.de, contact regional branches/working groups, or request free informational materials from director Klaus Schmitz. You can contact him via email at gf@dcg-online.de or by phone at +49 (0) 151 41266435.
