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Sapayo acara (Andinoacara sapayensis) — Cichlidae

Sapayo acara

Andinoacara sapayensis
Family: Cichlidae

The Sapayo acara (Andinoacara sapayensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

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

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Description

The Sapayo acara is a cichlid from fresh water of the Pacific slope of Colombia and Ecuador. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a deep, grey-green body with glittering blue-green spots and lines on the head and flank. As a bottom-oriented fish it searches quiet rivers and pools for insect larvae, worms and small invertebrates. Both parents guard the brood. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Sapayo acara?

The Sapayo acara has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly green and shows a spots pattern.

Where does the Sapayo acara live?

The Sapayo acara lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Ecuador

How big does the Sapayo acara get?

The Sapayo acara grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Sapayo acara dangerous to humans?

No, the Sapayo acara 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
Sapayo acara sourced
Scientific name
Andinoacara sapayensis
Family
Cichlidae
Other names
Sapayo cichlid sourced

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Ecuador 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 Andinoacara

More from the family Cichlidae

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