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Chisel-tooth cichlid (Cincelichthys bocourti) — Cichlidae

Chisel-tooth cichlid

Cincelichthys bocourti
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Chisel-tooth cichlid (Cincelichthys bocourti) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 20 cm.

Length
20 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Central America
Edibility
Rarely eaten

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Description

The chisel-tooth cichlid is a cichlid from fresh water of Central America, in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. The species grows to about 20 cm and has a stocky, deep body and chisel-shaped front teeth with which it scrapes algae and aufwuchs from stones. It lives in rivers and lakes and is a caring parental fish that guards its eggs and young. The fish is harmless to humans and appears in the aquarium hobby. The IUCN assesses the species as Least Concern (LC).

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Chisel-tooth cichlid?

The Chisel-tooth cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern. Chisel-shaped front teeth for scraping algae; caring parent fish

Where does the Chisel-tooth cichlid live?

The Chisel-tooth cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central America

How big does the Chisel-tooth cichlid get?

The Chisel-tooth cichlid grows to a maximum of about 20 cm.

Is the Chisel-tooth cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Chisel-tooth 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.

Is the Chisel-tooth cichlid edible?

The Chisel-tooth cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Chisel-tooth cichlid verified
Scientific name
Cincelichthys bocourti
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
20.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green inferred
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal sourced
Lips
Thick / fleshy sourced
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous sourced
Dorsal spines
No sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Central America verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Algae, biofilm and small invertebrates inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups sourced
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
No sourced
Seasonality
River cichlid with parental care; present year-round. sourced
Special features
Chisel-shaped front teeth for scraping algae; caring parent fish 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
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 Cincelichthys

More from the family Cichlidae

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