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Lowland cichlid (Herichthys carpintis) — Cichlidae

Lowland cichlid

Herichthys carpintis
Family: Cichlidae

The Lowland cichlid (Herichthys carpintis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 17 cm.

Length
17 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Mexico

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Description

The lowland cichlid is a Central American cichlid from fresh and brackish water of the Panuco drainages in northeastern Mexico. The species grows to about 17 cm and has a deep, grey-green body densely covered with glittering blue-white pearl spots; breeding fish develop a black-and-white split. As a bottom-dweller it sifts over sand and gravel bottoms and eats molluscs, small invertebrates, algae and detritus. It is a substrate brooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Lowland cichlid?

The Lowland cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Lowland cichlid live?

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

How big does the Lowland cichlid get?

The Lowland cichlid grows to a maximum of about 17 cm.

Is the Lowland cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Lowland 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.

More photos

Lowland cichlid (Herichthys carpintis) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Charles J. Surprenant, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Lowland cichlid (Herichthys carpintis) — Cichlidae — 3
Iván Cumpián (CC BY 4.0) via GBIF — iNaturalist
Lowland cichlid (Herichthys carpintis) — Cichlidae — 4
Wikimedia Commons — H. Zell (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Lowland cichlid (Herichthys carpintis) — Cichlidae — 5
Wikimedia Commons — Theo Kruse Burgers' Zoo (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Lowland cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Herichthys carpintis
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
17.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Mexico sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Carnivore inferred
Diet (detail)
Small fishes, crustaceans and invertebrates inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
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 Herichthys

More from the family Cichlidae

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