Chameleon cichlid

📖 Overview

An opportunistic diurnal feeder, eating detritus and plant material, preying on small aquatic animals, including small fish. Very resistant to low temperatures. . Common in creeks, rivers, swamps and lakes . This species is an easy open spawner that lays its eggs on a stone or piece of wood . Both parents care for the eggs and fry . Consumed locally. Reported to reach 25.0 cm SL .

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 15 - 17; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 11; Anal spines: 5 - 7; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9. This species differs from its congeners in having a lower jaw longer than upper and mouth pointing upwards; has the shortest dorsal scale cover and the least scaled dorsal and anal fins among (together with A. tembe); with four abdominal bars (present in more than 80% of individuals as compared to 50% or less in all other species .: short and / or deep.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Chameleon cichlid is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

This species is an easy open spawner that lays its eggs on a stone or piece of wood. Both parents care for the eggs and fry . In Europe where it has invaded native drainages, spawns when temperature rises above 28-30°C. Forms pairs during spawning and both sexes are territorial. Females deposits eggs on exposed hard surfaces such as stones or wood. Both parent guard larvae and juveniles for 1-3 weeks .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 6.5 - 7.0; dH range: 5 - 12. Subtropical; 25°C - 30°C South America: Coastal drainages of Uruguay and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil; Paraná River basin, lower part of Paraná River in Argentina.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Chameleon cichlid.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute