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Arrow cichlid (Amphilophus sagittae) — Cichlidae

Arrow cichlid

Amphilophus sagittae
Family: Cichlidae

The Arrow cichlid (Amphilophus sagittae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 16 cm.

Length
16 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
3.0–10.0 m
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Nicaragua

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Description

The Arrow cichlid is a cichlid endemic to crater lake Xiloa in Nicaragua. The species has a deep, stocky, slender grey-green, sometimes golden-yellow body with thick lips and a powerful mouth. As a territorial, bottom-oriented fish it defends a spot among rocks and wood and eats snails, insect larvae, small fish and plant material. Both parents fiercely guard the brood. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Arrow cichlid?

The Arrow cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Arrow cichlid live?

The Arrow cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: Nicaragua

How big does the Arrow cichlid get?

The Arrow cichlid grows to a maximum of about 16 cm.

Is the Arrow cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Arrow 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.

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All data

Identification

English name
Arrow cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Amphilophus sagittae
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
16.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
3.0 verified
Max depth (m)
10.0 verified
Natural range
North America: Nicaragua sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

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 Amphilophus

More from the family Cichlidae

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