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Steindachner's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma steindachneri) — Cichlidae

Steindachner's dwarf cichlid

Apistogramma steindachneri
Family: Cichlidae

The Steindachner's dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma steindachneri) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 7 cm.

Length
6.5 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Northern South America; quiet soft blackwater streams and pools.
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

Steindachner's dwarf cichlid is a dwarf cichlid (Cichlidae) from northern South America. The species is small; males are larger and more colourful than females and have elongated fin rays. It inhabits calm, soft blackwater brooks and pools. It is polygynous: a male holds a harem of several females and defends all nesting sites, while each female lays 60 to 120 eggs in a cavity and tends the brood. As an omnivore it picks small invertebrates and organic material from the bottom. It is popular in the aquarium hobby and is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Steindachner's dwarf cichlid?

The Steindachner's dwarf cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a plain pattern. Male with a harem that defends all the nest cavities; the female tends the eggs in a cavity.

Where does the Steindachner's dwarf cichlid live?

The Steindachner's dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Northern South America; quiet soft blackwater streams and pools.

How big does the Steindachner's dwarf cichlid get?

The Steindachner's dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 7 cm.

Is the Steindachner's dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Steindachner's dwarf cichlid is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.

Is the Steindachner's dwarf cichlid edible?

The Steindachner's dwarf cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Steindachner's dwarf cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Apistogramma steindachneri
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
6.5 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Yellow / gold inferred
Pattern
Plain inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred
Mouth position
Terminal inferred
Lips
Thick / fleshy inferred
Barbels
No sourced
Dorsal fins
One continuous inferred
Dorsal spines
Yes sourced

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
Northern South America; quiet soft blackwater streams and pools. inferred
Origin
Native sourced

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and organic material from the bottom sourced
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred
Special features
Male with a harem that defends all the nest cavities; the female tends the eggs in a cavity. sourced

For anglers

Edibility
Not eaten sourced
Fishing method
Not a target species for angling; at most an incidental catch or usable as baitfish. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless sourced
First aid
None required: this species is harmless to humans. sourced

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Apistogramma

More from the family Cichlidae

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