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Panamanian eartheater (Geophagus crassilabris) — Cichlidae

Panamanian eartheater

Geophagus crassilabris
Family: Cichlidae

The Panamanian eartheater (Geophagus crassilabris) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 24 cm.

Length
24 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Panama
Edibility
Commonly eaten

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Description

The Panamanian eartheater is an eartheater cichlid from fresh water of Panama in Central America. The species grows to about 24 cm and has a deep, silvery body with glittering spots and a pointed head. As a bottom-dweller it takes mouthfuls of sand and sifts out small invertebrates, larvae and detritus. It is a mouth or substrate brooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is known from the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Panamanian eartheater?

The Panamanian eartheater has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Panamanian eartheater live?

The Panamanian eartheater lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: Panama

How big does the Panamanian eartheater get?

The Panamanian eartheater grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.

Is the Panamanian eartheater dangerous to humans?

No, the Panamanian eartheater 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.

Is the Panamanian eartheater edible?

Yes, the Panamanian eartheater is commonly eaten.

More photos

Panamanian eartheater (Geophagus crassilabris) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) alcedo77, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Panamanian eartheater (Geophagus crassilabris) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) accidentalshrike, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Panamanian eartheater sourced
Scientific name
Geophagus crassilabris
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
24.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Pattern
Spots sourced
Tail shape
Forked inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Panama 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

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
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 Geophagus

More from the family Cichlidae

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