Rocio octofasciata

(Regan, 1903)

Vernacular names
English : Jack Dempsey
French : Jack Dempsey

Classification
Class : Teleostei
Order : Cichliformes (sometimes still Perciformes)
Family : Cichlidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification
The species grows to 25 cm in length. Slight hump on forehead, thick lips. Coloration reddish-beige to olive, rows of electric blue spots on each flank scales except belly. Face partially spotted. Black blotches on middle flanks. Fins dotted.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in the Atlantic side of Central America, from Papaloapan River in south Mexico to Ulua river in Honduras. Lives in coastal plains in canals and swampy areas with warm water.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species seems fairly common although it could be locally facing threats such as collection for the trade and competition with invasive species.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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