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Wessel's cichlid (Chortiheros wesseli) — Cichlidae

Wessel's cichlid

Chortiheros wesseli
Family: Cichlidae

The Wessel's cichlid (Chortiheros wesseli) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 8 cm.

Length
8 cm
Water
Freshwater
Diet
Carnivore
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
North America: Honduras

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Description

Wessel's cichlid is a cichlid (Cichlidae) from clear, flowing rivers of northern Honduras in Central America. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, yellow-brown body with a dark longitudinal stripe and glossy spots. As a bottom-oriented omnivore it searches among stones, wood and sand for small invertebrates, insect larvae and plant matter. It is a caring parental brooder that defends the young. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Wessel's cichlid?

The Wessel's cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern.

Where does the Wessel's cichlid live?

The Wessel's cichlid lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Honduras

How big does the Wessel's cichlid get?

The Wessel's cichlid grows to a maximum of about 8 cm.

Is the Wessel's cichlid dangerous to humans?

No, the Wessel's 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
Wessel's cichlid sourced
Scientific name
Chortiheros wesseli
Family
Cichlidae

Appearance

Size class
Small verified
Max length (cm)
8.0 verified
Body shape
Torpedo-shaped sourced
Dominant colour
Brown sourced
Pattern
Horizontal stripes sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Freshwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Natural range
North America: Honduras 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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