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Barton's cichlid (Nosferatu bartoni) — Cichlidae

Barton's cichlid

Nosferatu bartoni
Family: Cichlidae

The Barton's cichlid (Nosferatu bartoni) is a fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Diet
Carnivore
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless

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Description

Barton's cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from clear spring pools, streams and lakes of the central highlands of Mexico in Central America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a deep, powerful, grey-brown body with dark blotches and a blue-green sheen. As a territorial bottom-dweller it searches among rocks for snails, insect larvae and small invertebrates. It is a caring parental brooder that fiercely defends the brood. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Barton's cichlid?

The Barton's cichlid is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Barton's cichlid live?

The Barton's cichlid is mostly found around stony or rocky ground.

How big does the Barton's cichlid get?

The Barton's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Barton's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Barton's cichlid is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

More photos

Barton's cichlid (Nosferatu bartoni) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Pedro Nájera Quezada, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Barton's cichlid (Nosferatu bartoni) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Jonh Arias, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Barton's cichlid (Nosferatu bartoni) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) Guillermo H. Sosa-Tovar, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Barton's cichlid (Nosferatu bartoni) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Jesús Manuel Martínez-Calderas, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Barton's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Nosferatu bartoni
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Media Luna cichlid; Mojarra Caracolera

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
15
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Origin
Native

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.

For anglers

Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Nosferatu

More from the family Cichlidae

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