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Mendez dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma mendezi) — Cichlidae

Mendez dwarf cichlid

Apistogramma mendezi
Family: Cichlidae

The Mendez dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma mendezi) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 6 cm.

Length
6 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil

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Description

The Mendez dwarf cichlid is a dwarf cichlid (Cichlidae) from clear and blackwater streams of the Rio Negro region in Brazil. The species grows to about 6 cm; the male is larger and brightly coloured with blue, yellow and red tints and spreading fins, the female yellow and smaller. As a bottom-dweller it shelters among leaf litter, roots and plants and snaps at small invertebrates and insect larvae. The female is a caring cave brooder that fiercely defends the young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Mendez dwarf cichlid?

The Mendez dwarf cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body and is mainly multicoloured.

Where does the Mendez dwarf cichlid live?

The Mendez dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Brazil

How big does the Mendez dwarf cichlid get?

The Mendez dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 6 cm.

Is the Mendez dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Mendez 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
Mendez dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Apistogramma mendezi
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small
Max length (cm)
6 inferred
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Multicoloured sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil 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

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 Apistogramma

More from the family Cichlidae

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