Fin's Fish Guide
The Poor man's tropheus (Hypsophrys nematopus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Central America; lakes and fast-flowing rocky rivers of Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Description
The poor man's tropheus is a small Central American cichlid from Nicaragua and Costa Rica. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a stocky, dark body with a yellow belly and blue shining spots, recalling the African Tropheus cichlids. It inhabits both lakes and rivers and thrives especially in rivers with moderate to high current and a rocky bottom. As an omnivore it grazes algae and growth from rocks, supplemented with small invertebrates. Cichlids form pairs and guard their eggs and young. Owing to a restricted range the species is listed as Near Threatened (NT). It is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Poor man's tropheus?
The Poor man's tropheus has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Dark with a yellow belly and glossy blue spots (like Tropheus); algae grazer of fast-flowing rivers, near threatened (NT).
Where does the Poor man's tropheus live?
The Poor man's tropheus lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central America; lakes and fast-flowing rocky rivers of Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
How big does the Poor man's tropheus get?
The Poor man's tropheus grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Poor man's tropheus dangerous to humans?
No, the Poor man's tropheus is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Poor man's tropheus edible?
The Poor man's tropheus is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Poor man's tropheus?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Poor man's tropheus is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Hypsophrys
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Poor man's tropheus?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Poor man's tropheus is one of 12,519 species in the app.