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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🐠 Aquarium 🌡️ Tropical

redside cichlid

Cichlasoma istlanum Jordan & Snyder, 1899
Max Length
30 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.3
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
29.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

redside cichlid (Cichlasoma istlanum) is a ray-finned fish of the family Cichlidae. It inhabits freshwater waters. This species can reach a maximum total length of 30 cm. With a trophic level of 3.3, it is a low-level carnivore, feeding on invertebrates and small organisms. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Commercially fished and consumed as food.

Scientific Name
Cichlasoma istlanum
Authority
Jordan & Snyder, 1899
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
30 cm
Trophic Level
3.3
Resilience
Medium
Vulnerability
29.00/100
Water Temp
24–28 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for redside cichlid is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for redside cichlid is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

aquatic invertebrates
small fish
algae
detritus

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous 👄 Mouth Brooder 🛡️ Egg Guarder
Spawning Season
spring
Spawn Location
Substrate
Fertilization
External

Produces about 500 eggs.

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 8.0 - ? ; dH range: 3 - 5. Tropical; 24°C - 28°C Central America: Pacific slope of Mexico.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3.3±0.5

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.02138 × L3.05 (TL)
Max TL
30cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
24–28°C
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2018

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Medium
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
29.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.3
Predator
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Jordan & Snyder, 1899

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"redside cichlid is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

⚡ Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for redside cichlid is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for redside cichlid has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact
✓ Sustainable Choice

🔬 Full Nutritional Profile

Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)

Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

🌐 Names & Taxonomy

Language Common Names
🇬🇧English redside cichlid
🇪🇸Spanish mojarra del Balsas

Scientific Synonyms

Scientific Name Author Year Status
Amphilophus istlanus Jordan & Snyder 1899 Synonym
Cichlasoma istlana fusca de Buen 1946 Synonym
Cichlasoma leonhard-schultzei Ahl 1935 Synonym
Cichlasoma mento Vaillant & Pellegrin 1902 Heterotypic
Herichthys istlanus Jordan & Snyder 1899 Synonym
Heros istlanus Jordan & Snyder 1899 Synonym
Heros mento Vaillant & Pellegrin 1902 Heterotypic
Nandopsis istlanus Jordan & Snyder 1899 Synonym
Nandopsis mento Vaillant & Pellegrin 1902 Heterotypic

🗺️ Global Occurrence Map

Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 4 records indexed .

Occurrence density from GBIF View GBIF records ↗

👥 Community & Contribute

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