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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
Range
South America: Colombia, Venezuela

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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. South America: Colombia, Venezuela

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. 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.

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All data

Identification

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
Natural range
South America: Colombia, Venezuela 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
Small in size and barely an angling target; mostly caught incidentally or as baitfish. 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 Biotoecus

More from the family Cichlidae

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