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Pastel cichlid (Cribroheros alfari) — Cichlidae

Pastel cichlid

Cribroheros alfari
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Pastel cichlid (Cribroheros alfari) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 15 cm.

Length
15 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Edibility
Rarely eaten

Description

Alfaro's cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from Central America. The species grows to about 18 cm and has a stocky, yellow-brown body, often with a row of dark flank blotches. It occurs in all sections of the river, from the fast-flowing upper reaches to the slower lower reaches, at elevations between sea level and over a thousand metres. It prefers sand or mud bottoms, where it sifts the substrate for aquatic insects, especially midge larvae. As a cichlid it is a caring brood-tender. The species is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Pastel cichlid?

The Pastel cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Pastel cichlid live?

The Pastel cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom.

How big does the Pastel cichlid get?

The Pastel cichlid grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.

Is the Pastel cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Pastel cichlid is harmless to humans.

Is the Pastel cichlid edible?

The Pastel cichlid is rarely eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Alfaros cichlide sourced
English name
Pastel cichlid verified
Scientific name
Cribroheros alfari
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Pastel cichlid verified

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
15.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Spots inferred
Tail shape
Straight inferred
Mouth position
Inferior (downward) 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
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

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

For anglers

Edibility
Rarely eaten sourced
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 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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