Stripefin eartheater
📖 Overview
Stripefin eartheater (Gymnogeophagus rhabdotus), first described by Hensel, 1870 is a small fish in the family Cichlidae (order Cichliformes). Adults typically reach 12.00 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Subtropical 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 important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Cichlidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Stripefin eartheater is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Stripefin eartheater is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
The female lays about 300 eggs on a cleaned site. After hatching the young are moved to already built ground depressions.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 7.0 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 30. Subtropical; 20°C - 25°C South America: Uruguay River drainage in Uruguay and Laguna dos Patos basin in Brazil.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Stripefin eartheater is an edible species."
- 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
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Stripefin eartheater is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Stripefin eartheater has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Earth Eater · Stripefin Eartheater |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | sinijuovatonkija |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Cará · Papa-terra-comum |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Castañeta |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Stripefin eartheater.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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