Gymnogeophagus balzanii

(Perugia, 1891)

Vernacular names
English : Argentine humphead
French : Balzani, Géophage du Paraguay

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

Identification
The species grows to 20 cm, males bigger than females. Very high body profile, pronounced hump on forehead. Body shape diagnostic. Coloration yellow, upper flanks dark, fading vertical black lines on flanks. Red and spotted fins.

Range and habitat
This species occurs in South America, in south Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and north Argentina, in the Parana river. Lives in small slow-moving streams and stays away from biggest rivers.

Conservation
IUCN RED LIST : NOT LISTED
CITES : Not Listed
Status : The species has a large range and seems to remain fairly common. Habitat loss and collection for trade need to be monitored.
Ex-Situ Programs : None known

Observation

 

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