The Cichlidae, one of the most diverse families of vertebrates, is the subject of the volume entitled “The Behavior, Ecology and Evolution of Cichlid Fishes” which we introduce here. Cichlids are major members of their communities. They are socioeconomically important in fisheries, aquaculture, and the ornamental trade. The immense number of cichlid diverse forms challenge researchers to integrate new tools to delineate species, construct phylogenies, and determine species diversity; and their detailed study has significantly contributed to evolution models. Cichlid researchers have a strong tradition of taking a comparative approach. This book reflects that tradition with 20 reviews written by internationally recognized experts providing an integrative sub-disciplinary perspective, often including molecular studies. This volume is broad in scope, beginning with a review of the history of cichlid studies over two centuries. Next, four reviews examine cichlid diversification at different scales in African and Neotropical lakes and rivers; followed by four on conservation and management including species delimitation tools. The midsection, covering cichlid behavioral adaptations and their underlying mechanisms and effects, concerns the senses, parental care, sociality, and neurobiology. The last part of the book includes reviews on cichlid ecology, plasticity and evo-devo and closes with an examination of cichlids as models for biomedicine.