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💧 Freshwater Least Concern 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Tropical

Haitian cichlid

Nandopsis haitiensis Van, 1935
Max Length
21.5 cm
Max Weight
-
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
2.9
Depth
-
Climate
Tropical
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
30.00/100
Typical Length
-
Depth Zone
-

📖 Overview

Inhabits lakes and streams. Largely found solitarily or in pairs, rarely in groups of 6-8, often in association with poeciliids and the mugilid Agonostomus monticola. Occurs with introduced cichlids at numerous localities. Adults swim in open water, taking refuge in small crevices under debris or in rocks when pursued. Young fish are frequently found in aquatic vegetation. Feeds on algae, other aquatic plants and turret shells.

Scientific Name
Nandopsis haitiensis
Authority
Van, 1935
Habitat
Freshwater
Climate
Tropical
IUCN Status
LC
Max Length
21.5 cm
Trophic Level
2.9
Resilience
High
Vulnerability
30.00/100
Water Temp
24–27 °C

🔬 Taxonomy

🐟 Physical Description

Physical description for Haitian cichlid is currently being compiled.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for Haitian cichlid is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

Diet information for Haitian cichlid is currently being compiled.

🥚 Reproduction

Fecundity
150–200eggs

Clean a stone and deposit 150-200 eggs. Female cares for eggs and larvae .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic. Tropical; 24°C - 27°C Central America: Hispaniola (Haiti and Dominican Republic).

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
💧 Freshwater 🌿 Brackish
Trophic Level
2.9±0.35
Food Items

algae, other aquatic plants and turret shells

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.02692 × L3.03 (TL)
Max TL
21.5cm

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Temperature Range
24–27°C

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2020

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
High
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
30.00/100
Low vulnerability
Trophic Level
2.9
Omnivore / Planktivore
Climate Zone
Tropical
Described By
Van, 1935

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Haitian 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 Haitian cichlid is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for Haitian 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

👥 Community & Contribute

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