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Canara pearlspot (Etroplus canarensis) — Cichlidae

Canara pearlspot

Etroplus canarensis
Family: Cichlidae
EN · Endangered

The Canara pearlspot (Etroplus canarensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
11.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: India

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Description

The Canara pearlspot is a cichlid from fresh and slightly brackish water of a few rivers in southwestern India. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body with a few dark crossbars and pearly spots. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it lives in clear rivers and eats algae, small invertebrates and detritus. It is a parental brooder. Due to its very restricted range the species is endangered. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Canara pearlspot?

The Canara pearlspot has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Canara pearlspot live?

The Canara pearlspot lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Asia: India

How big does the Canara pearlspot get?

The Canara pearlspot grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Canara pearlspot dangerous to humans?

No, the Canara pearlspot 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

Canara pearlspot (Etroplus canarensis) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) sumanjumani, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Canara pearlspot (Etroplus canarensis) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Shubbam Bhaalke, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Canara pearlspot (Etroplus canarensis) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) H L Ooi, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Canara pearlspot (Etroplus canarensis) — Cichlidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Francis Day (Public domain)

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All data

Identification

English name
Canara pearlspot sourced
Scientific name
Etroplus canarensis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
11.5 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Asia: India 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 Etroplus

More from the family Cichlidae

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