Home · Cichlidae · Highhead cichlid
Highhead cichlid (Cribroheros altifrons) — Cichlidae

Highhead cichlid

Cribroheros altifrons
Family: Cichlidae

The Highhead cichlid (Cribroheros altifrons) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
13 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The highhead cichlid is a cichlid from fresh water of Central America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a deep, silver-grey body with a few dark crossbars and a spot on the flank. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches quiet rivers, pools and lakes for insect larvae, molluscs, small fish and plant material. Both parents guard the brood. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Highhead cichlid?

The Highhead cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Highhead cichlid live?

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

How big does the Highhead cichlid get?

The Highhead cichlid grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Highhead cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Highhead cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Highhead cichlid edible?

Yes, the Highhead cichlid is commonly eaten.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Hoogkop-cichlide sourced
English name
Highhead cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Cribroheros altifrons
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. 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 Cribroheros

More from the family Cichlidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →