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Sao Francisco cichlid (Cichlasoma sanctifranciscense) — Cichlidae

Sao Francisco cichlid

Cichlasoma sanctifranciscense
Family: Cichlidae

The Sao Francisco cichlid (Cichlasoma sanctifranciscense) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 9 cm.

Length
8.8 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 Sao Francisco cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from the Sao Francisco drainage in eastern Brazil in South America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed, yellow-green body with dark crossbars and a spot on the flank. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it searches among stones, sand and plants for small invertebrates, insect larvae and plant matter. It is a caring parental brooder that defends the young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sao Francisco cichlid?

The Sao Francisco cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a vertical stripes pattern.

Where does the Sao Francisco cichlid live?

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

How big does the Sao Francisco cichlid get?

The Sao Francisco cichlid grows to a maximum of about 9 cm.

Is the Sao Francisco cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Sao Francisco 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
Sao Francisco cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Cichlasoma sanctifranciscense
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.8 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Pattern
Vertical bars 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

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 Cichlasoma

More from the family Cichlidae

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