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Tuba cichlid (Tomocichla tuba) — Cichlidae

Tuba cichlid

Tomocichla tuba
Family: Cichlidae

The Tuba cichlid (Tomocichla tuba) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 30 cm.

Length
30 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Mixed bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama

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Description

The tuba cichlid is a Central American cichlid from fast-flowing rivers of the Atlantic slope of Costa Rica and Panama. The species grows to about 30 cm and has an elongate, grey-green body that changes colour conspicuously in courtship, with a dark flank blotch. As a bottom-dweller of flowing water it eats algae, plant material and small invertebrates. It is a substrate brooder that fiercely guards its brood. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Tuba cichlid?

The Tuba cichlid has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly green.

Where does the Tuba cichlid live?

The Tuba cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. North America: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama

How big does the Tuba cichlid get?

The Tuba cichlid grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.

Is the Tuba cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Tuba 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.

More photos

Tuba cichlid (Tomocichla tuba) — Cichlidae — 2
iNaturalist ((c) Cody Cromer, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Tuba cichlid (Tomocichla tuba) — Cichlidae — 3
iNaturalist ((c) andrescordero97, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Tuba cichlid (Tomocichla tuba) — Cichlidae — 4
iNaturalist ((c) psweet, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Tuba cichlid (Tomocichla tuba) — Cichlidae — 5
iNaturalist ((c) Eric van den Berghe, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC))
Fin

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All data

Identification

English name
Tuba cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Tomocichla tuba
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Medium verified
Max length (cm)
30.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Green sourced
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Mixed bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama 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
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. 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

More from the family Cichlidae

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