Mesonauta Egregius

📖 Overview

Mesonauta Egregius (Mesonauta egregius), first described by Kullander & Silfvergrip, 1991 is a small fish in the family Cichlidae (order Cichliformes). Adults typically reach 8.20 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.

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

This species is distinguished by the lower metamerie meristics than its congeners: dorsal fin count usually XIV.ll instead of XV.l0-l1, anal fin count usually VILlI which is not found in other Mesonauta species, El row scales usually 24 instead of 25 or 26, vertebrae 13+13 instead of 12+14 or 13+14. Bar 6 is split ventrally, but unlike in M. mirificus with similar pattem, there are no horizontal stripes along the sides . It is distinguished from the geographically c!ose M. insignis also by deeper body (50.7-55.6%SL vs 47.6-53.4%SL) and shorter snout (8.9-11.0% vs 1O.2-13.0%SL), and by having plain coloured instead of reticulated dorsal pigment pattern .: short and / or deep.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Mesonauta Egregius is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

🥚 Reproduction

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; benthopelagic; pH range: 4.8 - ? ; dH range: 0 - ?. Tropical; ? - 30°C South America: Orinocoa River basin, in the Meta and Vichada River basins.

🌿 Ecology

📐 Morphometrics

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

🦠 Common Diseases

The following diseases are known to affect Mesonauta Egregius.

🐠 Related Species

🔍 Similar Species

👥 Community & Contribute