These fish are the most interesting and intelligent of all freshwater fish. They are almost uniquely endemic to Africa and South America. They are the principal family of vertebrates indicative of continental separation and drift. One species is found in the US and a handful in Central America and Asia.
They are the most prized (and most difficult to keep) of all freshwater tank fish.

Unfortunately they are highly endangered in the wild in Africa due to the introduction of large predatory food fish into their native lakes.