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Bolivian cichlid (Cichlasoma boliviense) — Cichlidae

Bolivian cichlid

Cichlasoma boliviense
Family: Cichlidae

The Bolivian cichlid (Cichlasoma boliviense) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 11 cm.

Length
10.7 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Peru

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Description

The Bolivian cichlid is a cichlid from fresh water of the upper Amazon basin in Bolivia. The species grows to about 11 cm and has a stocky, yellow-brown body with a few dark crossbars and a spot on the flank. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it lives in slow-flowing rivers and pools among plants and wood and eats small invertebrates, plant material and detritus. It is an attentive parental brooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Bolivian cichlid?

The Bolivian cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Bolivian cichlid live?

The Bolivian cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Peru

How big does the Bolivian cichlid get?

The Bolivian cichlid grows to a maximum of about 11 cm.

Is the Bolivian cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Bolivian 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

Bolivian cichlid (Cichlasoma boliviense) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Ramon and Suzanne Vargas, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA))
Bolivian cichlid (Cichlasoma boliviense) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) tilly, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Bolivian cichlid (Cichlasoma boliviense) — Cichlidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Ramon and Suzanne Vargas (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Bolivian cichlid (Cichlasoma boliviense) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) IHUNTA, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))

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All data

Identification

English name
Bolivian cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Cichlasoma boliviense
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
10.7 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Bolivia, Brazil, Peru 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

Fishing method
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish.
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 Cichlasoma

More from the family Cichlidae

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