| Family: |
Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Geophaginae |
| Max. size: |
19.8 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
South America: Venezuela. |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 8-9; Dorsal soft rays (total): 12-12; Anal spines: 3-3; Anal soft rays: 8-8. This large-sized species of Geophagus (largest type 19.8 cm SL), differs from its congeners in having the following characters: a well developed and complete infraorbital stripe; rectangular midlateral spot; entire caudal fin with large irregularly arranged light roundish spots; a comparatively high number of dorsal fin spines (XVIII or XIX ); 34 -36 scales in E1 row (Ref. 78437). |
| Biology: |
This species apparently prefers bare sandy bottoms among rocky areas in the black water tributaries of the upper Orinoco, and which may have a remarkably strong current. Water data collected in January at a collecting site: pH 4.5; electrical conductivity 10 μS/cm;
temperature 28°C. The type locality at río Sipapo has brownish water, moderately
clear with pH 5.15 and a temperature of 29.5 °C. Reported associated fish fauna includes Aequidens sp. 'Atabapo', Biotodoma wavrini, Crenicichla sp. 'Atabapo', Laetacara sp. 'Orangefl ossen', Heros severus, Mesonauta insignis, and several characid and siluroid species (Ref. 78437). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Data deficient (DD); Date assessed: 28 October 2020 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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