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Gosse's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma gossei) — Cichlidae

Gosse's dwarf cichlid

Apistogramma gossei
Family: Cichlidae

The Gosse's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma gossei) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4.4 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Not eaten

Description

Gosse's dwarf cichlid is a small cichlid from fresh waters of the Amazon basin in South America. The species reaches only about 7 cm and has a streamlined body; males are larger, more colourful and have more elaborate, thread-like fins, especially in the breeding season. It inhabits quiet, blackwater-like forest streams with fallen leaves. As a small predator it searches for microscopic invertebrates in and on the bottom. The female tends the brood in a cavity and is fierce in doing so. The species is popular in the aquarium hobby and harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Gosse's dwarf cichlid?

The Gosse's dwarf cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly multicoloured and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Gosse's dwarf cichlid live?

The Gosse's dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Gosse's dwarf cichlid get?

The Gosse's dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Gosse's dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Gosse's dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Gosse's dwarf cichlid edible?

The Gosse's dwarf cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Gosse-dwergcichlide sourced
English name
Gosse's dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Apistogramma gossei
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
4.4 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured inferred
Pattern
Horizontal stripes inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thin inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Geen doelsoort voor de hengelsport; hooguit incidentele vangst of bruikbaar als aasvisje. 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 Apistogramma

More from the family Cichlidae

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