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Topaz cichlid (Amatitlania myrnae) — Cichlidae

Topaz cichlid

Amatitlania myrnae
Family: Cichlidae

The Topaz cichlid (Amatitlania myrnae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Costa Rica, Panama

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Description

The topaz cichlid is a small cichlid from fresh water of Costa Rica and Panama in Central America. The species grows to about 8 cm and has a stocky body with a few dark crossbars and, in the breeding season, a golden-yellow to orange tinge on belly and flanks. As a bottom-oriented fish it lives in clear streams and rivers and eats algae, small invertebrates and detritus. It is an attentive parental brooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Topaz cichlid?

The Topaz cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Topaz cichlid live?

The Topaz cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: Costa Rica, Panama

How big does the Topaz cichlid get?

The Topaz cichlid grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Topaz cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Topaz cichlid 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

Topaz cichlid (Amatitlania myrnae) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Jorge Bogantes Montero, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Topaz cichlid (Amatitlania myrnae) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) Tori Miller, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Topaz cichlid (Amatitlania myrnae) — Cichlidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — Dnoerholm (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Topaz cichlid (Amatitlania myrnae) — Cichlidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — -serwacy01- (CC BY-SA 4.0)

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All data

Identification

English name
Topaz cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Amatitlania myrnae
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars sourced
Tail shape
Rounded

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Costa Rica, Panama 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 Amatitlania

More from the family Cichlidae

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