Fin's Fish Guide
The Red breast cichlid (Cribroheros longimanus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 14 cm.
Central America; Atlantic slope from Honduras to Costa Rica and Pacific slope from Guatemala to Costa Rica.
Description
The red breast cichlid is a Central American cichlid occurring on the Atlantic slope from Honduras to Costa Rica and the Pacific slope from Guatemala to Costa Rica. The species grows to about 14 cm and has a deep, pearl-grey body with a few dark blotches on the flank. Besides the soft bottoms of lakes it inhabits rivers from sea level to about 850 metres elevation, and is more abundant in flowing water. As an omnivore it searches the bottom for small invertebrates, insect larvae and plant matter. Cichlids show intensive brood care and guard their eggs and young. The species is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Red breast cichlid?
The Red breast cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a spots pattern. Pearl-grey body with dark flank blotches; inhabits lakes and rivers up to 850 m altitude.
Where does the Red breast cichlid live?
The Red breast cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Central America; Atlantic slope from Honduras to Costa Rica and Pacific slope from Guatemala to Costa Rica.
How big does the Red breast cichlid get?
The Red breast cichlid grows to a maximum of about 14 cm.
Is the Red breast cichlid dangerous to humans?
No, the Red breast cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Red breast cichlid edible?
The Red breast cichlid is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
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Status & sources
Same genus Cribroheros
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Red breast cichlid?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Red breast cichlid is one of 12,519 species in the app.