Home · Cichlidae · Lyretail dwarf cichlid
Lyretail dwarf cichlid (Biotoecus dicentrarchus) — Cichlidae

Lyretail dwarf cichlid

Biotoecus dicentrarchus
Family: Cichlidae

The Lyretail dwarf cichlid (Biotoecus dicentrarchus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
3.8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless

Description

The Lyretail dwarf cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from clear and blackwater rivers of the Orinoco and Rio Negro region in South America. The species grows to about 10 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body with glittering spots and, in adults, finely extended fins. As a bottom-dweller it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts out small invertebrates, worms and organic matter. It is a caring parental brooder that protects the young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lyretail dwarf cichlid?

The Lyretail dwarf cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Lyretail dwarf cichlid live?

The Lyretail dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Lyretail dwarf cichlid get?

The Lyretail dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Lyretail dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Lyretail dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans.

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →

All data

Identification

Dutch name
Lierstaart-dwergcichlide sourced
English name
Lyretail dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Biotoecus dicentrarchus
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
3.8 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Klein van stuk en nauwelijks een hengelsportdoel; wordt vooral incidenteel of als aasvis gevangen. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified

Status & sources

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

Same genus Biotoecus

More from the family Cichlidae

Download Fin's Fish Guide

Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.

Get the beta →