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False yellowjacket cichlid (Parachromis motaguensis) — Cichlidae

False yellowjacket cichlid

Parachromis motaguensis
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The False yellowjacket cichlid (Parachromis motaguensis) is a brackish-water fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Brackish
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Solitary
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

The Motagua cichlid is a robust, predatory cichlid from Central America. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a stocky, silvery to yellowish body with irregular black blotches and, in the breeding season, brighter colours. It inhabits lakes and rivers and prefers moderate to fast-flowing water of the lower and middle reaches. As a decided predator with a large mouth it hunts fishes, crustaceans and large insects. Cichlids show intensive brood care and fiercely guard their eggs and young. The species is sometimes kept in the aquarium and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the False yellowjacket cichlid?

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

Where does the False yellowjacket cichlid live?

The False yellowjacket cichlid lives in brackish water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the False yellowjacket cichlid get?

The False yellowjacket cichlid grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the False yellowjacket cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the False yellowjacket cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the False yellowjacket cichlid edible?

The False yellowjacket cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Motagua-cichlide sourced
English name
False yellowjacket cichlid verified
Scientific name
Parachromis motaguensis
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Motagua cichlid verified

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 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
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
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 Parachromis

More from the family Cichlidae

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