Cichla melaniae Kullander & Ferreira, 2006
photo by Vidal, W.

Family:  Cichlidae (Cichlids), subfamily: Cichlinae
Max. size:  36 cm TL (male/unsexed); max.weight: 710.0 g
Environment:  benthopelagic; freshwater
Distribution:  South America: Brazil, restricted to the Lower Rio Xingu drainage.
Diagnosis:  Diagnosis: Distinguished by narrow vertical bars 1-3, and numerous minute white spots scattered over flanks, including many ocellated spots. Bars 1a and 2a are commonly present, narrow and distinct. Complete lateral band present in juveniles. Lateral line not continuous. This species is similar to C. mirianae, but light spots are absent from side of head (vs. present or absent), large midlateral ocelli absent from side (vs. present), and E1 scales 78-85 (vs. 72-80) (Ref. 57716).
Biology:  Specimens collected from Balneário do Pedral were in shallow water, pH 6.5, less than 1 dGH, and temperature 30- 32°C, in strong current among lava rocks (Ref. 57716).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 07 November 2018 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless
Country info:   
 


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