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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🐠 Aquarium 🌡️ Tropical

Crenicichla Punctata

Crenicichla punctata Hensel, 1870
Max Length
23.1 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
3.3
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
31.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Crenicichla Punctata (Crenicichla punctata), first described by Hensel, 1870 is a medium-sized fish in the family Cichlidae (order Cichliformes). Adults typically reach 23.10 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It feeds on a mix of small fish and invertebrates as a mid-level predator. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is kept in the aquarium hobby. Care requirements and behaviour align broadly with other Cichlidae kept in the hobby.

Scientific Name
Crenicichla punctata
Authority
Hensel, 1870
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
Body Shape
Elongated
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
23.1 cm
Trophic Level
3.3
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
31.00/100
Water Temp
22–25 °C
Salinity
0–0.5 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

Dorsal spines (total): 21 - 24; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11 - 13; Anal soft rays: 8 - 10. : elongated.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Crenicichla Punctata 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

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical; 22°C - 25°C South America: Laguna dos Patos and Lagoa Mirim basins in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and Uruguay.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater
Trophic Level
3.3±0.5

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00776 × L3.08 (TL)
Max TL
23.1cm
Dorsal Spines
23
Dorsal Rays
12
Anal Rays
9

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
22–25°C
Salinity Range
0–0.5ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2020

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
31.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
3.3
Predator
Body Shape
Elongated
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Hensel, 1870

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