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Arrow cichlid (Amphilophus sagittae) — Cichlidae

Arrow cichlid

Amphilophus sagittae
Family: Cichlidae

The Arrow cichlid (Amphilophus sagittae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
3.0–10.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Arrow cichlid is a cichlid endemic to crater lake Xiloa in Nicaragua. The species has a deep, stocky, slender grey-green, sometimes golden-yellow body with thick lips and a powerful mouth. As a territorial, bottom-oriented fish it defends a spot among rocks and wood and eats snails, insect larvae, small fish and plant material. Both parents fiercely guard the brood. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Arrow cichlid?

The Arrow cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Arrow cichlid live?

The Arrow cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Arrow cichlid get?

The Arrow cichlid grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Arrow cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Arrow cichlid is harmless to humans.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Pijl-cichlide sourced
English name
Arrow cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Amphilophus sagittae
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
10.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Amphilophus

More from the family Cichlidae

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