Midas cichlid
📖 Overview
Adults livesin box-cut canals with rocky vertical sides, crevices used for spawning and protection of the young . They are found in lakes; uncommon in the rivers but will penetrate the lower river valleys where the water is slow flowing or tranquil . Omnivorous, eating mostly aufwuchs, snails and small fishes ; also feed on insect larvae, worms and other bottom-dwelling organisms . Majority of this fish has normal cryptic coloration (black, gray or brown), matching the substrate for camouflage and survival purposes. About 10 % of this species is xanthomorphic, undergoing a color metamorphosis at varying stages of growth . An experimental fish being used for behavioral studies .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
This species coloration is mostly bright orange to orange-red in adults; mature males are of larger size, longer fins and with a distinct hump on their heads; aquarists usually refer to the lighter-colored, thin-lipped form as this species.: short and / or deep.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Midas cichlid is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Spawn preferentially on the ceiling of natural caves . Deposit eggs on hard substrates, such as rocks or logs; both parents guarding the eggs and the fry for several weeks . 300-1000 eggs .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; non-migratory . Tropical; 23°C - 33°C ; 15°N - 8°N Central America: Atlantic slope of Nicaragua and Costa Rica (San Juan River drainage, including Lakes Nicaragua, Managua, Masaya and Apoyo).
🌿 Ecology
insect larvae, worms and other bottom-dwelling organisms (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Midas cichlid |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Cíclido Midas · Mojarra Midas |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amphilophus granadense | Meek | 1907 | Synonym |
| Archocentrus citrinellus | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
| Cichlasoma citrinella | Gïnther | 1864 | Synonym |
| Cichlasoma granadense | Meek | 1907 | Synonym |
| Cichlosoma citrinellum | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
| Herichthys citrinellus | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
| Heros basilaris | Gill | 1877 | Synonym |
| Heros citrinellus | Günther | 1864 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Midas cichlid.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 33 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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