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Taeniata dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma taeniata) — Cichlidae

Taeniata dwarf cichlid

Apistogramma taeniata
Family: Cichlidae
LC · Least Concern

The Taeniata dwarf cichlid (Apistogramma taeniata) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 4 cm.

Length
4.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Depth
0–? m
Diet
Omnivore
Behaviour
Small groups
Activity
Diurnal
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Amazon basin
Edibility
Not eaten

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Description

The taeniata dwarf cichlid is a very small cichlid from the lower Tapajos in the Amazon basin in Brazil. It grows to only about 4 cm and has a laterally compressed body with a longitudinal band pattern, from which it takes its name. It lives in soft, warm fresh water among leaf litter and bankside vegetation. Like other dwarf cichlids it is a substrate and cave brooder with parental care and clear sexual differences. The fish feeds omnivorously on small invertebrates and organic matter. It is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Taeniata dwarf cichlid?

The Taeniata dwarf cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Longitudinal band markings; cave and substrate brooder with parental care

Where does the Taeniata dwarf cichlid live?

The Taeniata dwarf cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Amazon basin

How big does the Taeniata dwarf cichlid get?

The Taeniata dwarf cichlid grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.

Is the Taeniata dwarf cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Taeniata dwarf 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.

Is the Taeniata dwarf cichlid edible?

The Taeniata dwarf cichlid is not usually eaten.

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All data

Identification

English name
Taeniata dwarf cichlid verified
Scientific name
Apistogramma taeniata
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Min depth (m)
0 sourced
Natural range
Amazon basin verified
Origin
Native verified

Behaviour & biology

Diet
Omnivore sourced
Diet (detail)
Small invertebrates and organic debris inferred
Social behaviour
Small groups inferred
Territorial
Yes sourced
Activity
Diurnal inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes sourced
Sexual dimorphism
Yes sourced
Seasonality
Cave-brooding dwarf cichlid; reproduces year-round in warm water. sourced
Special features
Longitudinal band markings; cave and substrate brooder with parental care 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
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 Apistogramma

More from the family Cichlidae

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