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Beaked cichlid (Cribroheros rostratus) — Cichlidae

Beaked cichlid

Cribroheros rostratus
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Beaked cichlid (Cribroheros rostratus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 19 cm.

Length
18.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central America; floodplains, lakes and rivers.
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The beaked cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from Central America. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky body with a pointed, somewhat elongated snout, to which the name refers. It is a floodplain fish occurring at elevations between sea level and about 200 metres, in lakes and rivers of low to high current velocity. It feeds largely on aquatic insects, supplemented with much detritus and sediment taken from the bottom. As a cichlid it tends its brood. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Beaked cichlid?

The Beaked cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern. Pointed, elongated snout; floodplain fish that searches the bottom for insects.

Where does the Beaked cichlid live?

The Beaked cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central America; floodplains, lakes and rivers.

How big does the Beaked cichlid get?

The Beaked cichlid grows to a maximum of about 19 cm.

Is the Beaked cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Beaked cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Beaked cichlid edible?

The Beaked cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Beaked cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Cribroheros rostratus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
18.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Straight 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
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Central America; floodplains, lakes and rivers. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Aquatic insects, detritus and sediment sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Pointed, elongated snout; floodplain fish that searches the bottom for insects. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
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 sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

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

Same genus Cribroheros

More from the family Cichlidae

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