Blackbelt cichlid
📖 Overview
Inhabits lakes and rivers but migrates to the extreme lower sections of the lower river valleys where current is slow. Prefers muddy and sandy bottoms and lives among submerged trees and logs for protection. Thrives well in shady bank areas of rivers. Able to tolerate brackish and marine conditions. Feeds on benthic detritus consisting of vegetable matter, both aquatic and terrestrial plants, seeds and fruits.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Physical description for Blackbelt cichlid is currently being compiled.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Blackbelt cichlid is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Blackbelt cichlid is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Spawns in an open water and produces about 600-1000 fry per spawning. Both parents participate in caring the young.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; potamodromous ; depth range 10 - ? m. Tropical; 26°C - 28°C ; 17°N - 10°N Central America: Atlantic slope, from the Usumacinta River drainage in Guatemala to the Chagres River in Panama.
🌿 Ecology
benthic detritus consisting of vegetable matter, both aquatic and terrestrial plants, seeds and frui
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Blackbelt cichlid 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 Blackbelt cichlid is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Blackbelt cichlid has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cichlasoma globosum | Miller | 1907 | Synonym |
| Cichlasoma maculicaudum | Regan | 1905 | Synonym |
| Cichlasoma manana | Miller | 1907 | Synonym |
| Cichlasoma nigritum | Meek | 1907 | Synonym |
| Cichlosoma maculicauda | Regan | 1905 | Synonym |
| Paraneetroplus maculicauda | Regan | 1905 | Synonym |
| Theraps maculicauda | Regan | 1905 | Synonym |
| Vieja panamensis | Fernández-Yépez | 1969 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 44 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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