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Thayer's flag cichlid (Laetacara thayeri) — Cichlidae

Thayer's flag cichlid

Laetacara thayeri
Family: Cichlidae

The Thayer's flag cichlid (Laetacara thayeri) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 12 cm.

Length
12 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Brazil, Peru

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Description

The Thayer's flag cichlid is a cichlid from fresh water of the western Amazon basin in South America. The species grows to about 12 cm and has a coloured body. It has a grey-brown body with a dark longitudinal stripe and a spot on the tail base. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it eats small invertebrates, algae and detritus. It is an attentive parental or mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Thayer's flag cichlid?

The Thayer's flag cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Thayer's flag cichlid live?

The Thayer's flag cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. South America: Brazil, Peru

How big does the Thayer's flag cichlid get?

The Thayer's flag cichlid grows to a maximum of about 12 cm.

Is the Thayer's flag cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Thayer's flag 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
Thayer's flag cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Laetacara thayeri
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
12.0 verified
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Brazil, Peru 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 Laetacara

More from the family Cichlidae

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