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Twilight cichlid (Heroina isonycterina) — Cichlidae

Twilight cichlid

Heroina isonycterina
Family: Cichlidae

The Twilight cichlid (Heroina isonycterina) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.

Length
10.2 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Flat / disc-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
South America: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru

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Description

The Twilight cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from rivers, streams and pools of the upper Amazon basin in Ecuador and Peru. The species grows to about 15 cm and has a deep, laterally compressed body; dominant individuals colour up more brightly in the breeding season. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it searches among stones, sand and plants for small invertebrates, insect larvae, algae and plant matter. It cares for the brood and defends the young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Twilight cichlid?

The Twilight cichlid has a flattened, disc-shaped body and is mainly brown.

Where does the Twilight cichlid live?

The Twilight cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. South America: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru

How big does the Twilight cichlid get?

The Twilight cichlid grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.

Is the Twilight cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Twilight 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
Twilight cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Heroina isonycterina
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

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

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
South America: Colombia, Ecuador, 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

More from the family Cichlidae

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