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Meta cichlid (Aequidens metae) — Cichlidae

Meta cichlid

Aequidens metae
Family: Cichlidae

The Meta cichlid (Aequidens metae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 13 cm.

Length
12.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Colombia

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Description

The Meta cichlid is a cichlid from fresh water of the Meta and upper Orinoco basins in Colombia and Venezuela. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, olive-brown body with a dark flank spot and glittering speckles. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches quiet river backwaters and pools for insect larvae, worms and plant material. It is a caring substrate brooder. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Meta cichlid?

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

Where does the Meta cichlid live?

The Meta cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Colombia

How big does the Meta cichlid get?

The Meta cichlid grows to a maximum of about 13 cm.

Is the Meta cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Meta 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
Meta cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Aequidens metae
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Yellow acara sourced

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Colombia 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 Aequidens

More from the family Cichlidae

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