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Biajaca (Nandopsis tetracanthus) — Cichlidae

Biajaca

Nandopsis tetracanthus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Biajaca (Nandopsis tetracanthus) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The Cuban cichlid, locally called biajaca, is a cichlid endemic to Cuba. The species reaches about 20 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, silvery-grey body with dark blotches and blue speckles. It lives in both fast-flowing rivers and lakes, preferably among plants, and is also found in brackish river mouths. As a predator it feeds on worms, small fishes, shrimps and aquatic insects. As a substrate spawner the species defends a territory and both parents tend the brood. It is of local fishery value and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Biajaca?

The Biajaca has a flattened, disc-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Biajaca live?

The Biajaca lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Biajaca get?

The Biajaca grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Biajaca dangerous to humans?

No, the Biajaca is harmless to humans.

Is the Biajaca edible?

Yes, the Biajaca is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Cubaanse cichlide sourced
English name
Biajaca verified
Scientific name
Nandopsis tetracanthus
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Biajaca; Cuban cichlid verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Solitary inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten sourced
Fishing method
Vissen met natuurlijk aas of klein kunstaas in rivieren en meren. sourced
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Nandopsis

More from the family Cichlidae

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