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Cichlid (Theraps microphthalmus) — Cichlidae

Cichlid

Theraps microphthalmus
Family: Cichlidae

The Cichlid (Theraps microphthalmus) is a fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 25 cm.

Length
25 cm
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Substrate
Stone or rock
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central America; Motagua basin (Guatemala, Honduras), fast-flowing rivers with a rocky bottom.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The cichlid is a Central American cichlid (Cichlidae) from the fresh waters of Central America. The species has an elongate, fairly flat body with conspicuously small eyes, adapted to life in fast-flowing water. It inhabits fast-flowing, clear rivers with a rocky bottom. Grazing the bottom, it rasps growth, algae and small invertebrates from the surface of stones. As a cichlid it is a caring substrate brooder. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Cichlid?

The Cichlid is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Strikingly small eyes, adapted to fast-flowing water; algae-rasping substrate brooder.

Where does the Cichlid live?

The Cichlid is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Central America; Motagua basin (Guatemala, Honduras), fast-flowing rivers with a rocky bottom.

How big does the Cichlid get?

The Cichlid grows to a maximum of about 25 cm. On average the species is around 15 cm.

Is the Cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Cichlid edible?

The Cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Theraps microphthalmus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium
Max length (cm)
25 verified
Average length (cm)
15 sourced
Dominant colour
Brown
Pattern
Plain
Tail shape
Rounded
Mouth position
Inferior (downward)
Lips
Thick / fleshy
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Substrate
Stone or rock sourced
Natural range
Central America; Motagua basin (Guatemala, Honduras), fast-flowing rivers with a rocky bottom.
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Biofilm, algae and small invertebrates from stones sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups
Territorial
Yes
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known.
Special features
Strikingly small eyes, adapted to fast-flowing water; algae-rasping substrate brooder. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Regulations source

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Theraps

More from the family Cichlidae

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