Cichlasoma bimaculatum (Linnaeus, 1758)
Black acara
Cichlasoma bimaculatum
photo by Hippocampus-Bildarchiv

Family:  Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Cichlasomatinae
Max. size:  12.3 cm SL (male/unsexed); 30 cm TL (female)
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater; pH range: 6.5 - 7; dH range: 3 - 10
Distribution:  South America: Orinoco River basin, in the Caroni in River Venezuela; Guianas, from the Essequibo River to the Sinnamary River; Amazon River basin, in the upper Branco River basin.
Diagnosis:   
Biology:  Occurs in canals and swamps (Ref. 7020). Tolerates low oxygen. Feeds on crustaceans and insects (Ref. 7020). Males are bigger than females which become mature at 7 to 9 cm (20-25 g). Spawning occurs at the start of the rainy season. About 700 eggs are spawned on open substrate and are cared for by the parents. Max length 35 cm TL (Ref. 35237).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 10 November 2020 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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