Why Are New World Cichlids Called That

[chishnfips]

HI folks, I was wondering why south american cichlids are called new world cichlids and african cichlids called old world cichlids? probably a totally dumb question, but my head is tired after work lol.

Is it something to do with south america being discovered later on by whoever (columbus or captain cook) and being called the new world or something

 

[CFC]

Got it in one, the Americas were called the New World when they were discovered but Africa is part of the Old World.

 

[shroob]

Its to do with where they come from, like you said, Africa being old world, and the Americas being the new world. As Europeans thought the world in the 15thC was made up of only europe, africa and asia. Then they discovered the americas, so calling it the new world.

 

[chishnfips]

quality, I have surpassed myself this time lol cheers