Rainbow cichlid

Last updated

Rainbow cichlid
RainbowCichlid.JPG
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cichliformes
Family: Cichlidae
Subfamily: Cichlinae
Tribe: Heroini
Genus: Herotilapia
Pellegrin, 1904
Species:
H. multispinosa
Binomial name
Herotilapia multispinosa
(Günther, 1867)
Synonyms

Archocentrus multispinosusGünther, 1867

Herotilapia multispinosa (previously: Archocentrus multispinosus) also known as the rainbow cichlid is a Central American freshwater fish of the cichlid family. It is found on the Atlantic slope of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica from Patuca River (Honduras) south to Matina River (Costa Rica), and on the Pacific slope of Nicaragua and Costa Rica from Guasaule River south to Tempisque River. Specimens are also reported from the Choluteca River on the Pacific side of Honduras. [1] This species is found in lakes and swamps with muddy bottoms, where it uses its specialized teeth and only 3.5% jaw protrusion to feed mostly on algae. [2] It is commercially important as an aquarium fish. The rainbow cichlid prefers a pH range of 7.0–8.0, water hardness of 9-20 dGH and a temperature range of 21–36 °C.

Contents

Taxonomy

The rainbow cichlid was first described in 1867 by Albert Günther and was then placed in the genus Heros, a synonym of Cichlasoma. In 1903, it was removed from the Cichlasoma and placed in its own new genus Herotilapia, solely on the basis of its unique tricuspid teeth, an adaptation to eat filamentous algae. It was then called Herotilapia multispinosa. [1] Herotilapia had been considered to be closely related to, or even synonymous with, the genus Archocentrus but DNA analysis by Oldřich Říčan, et al. demonstrated that the two genera are not very closely related. [3] Rather, the closest relatives to Herotilapia are Tomocichla , Rocio , Astatheros and Cribroheros , of which Rocio (including the Jack Dempsey) has the most similar morphology. [3]

Description

The rainbow cichlid can reach 12–15 cm (4.7" - 6") in length, but most adults are around 7–8 cm. The fish is generally yellow, with hints of reds and browns. A line of black central spots runs from the eye to the base of the tail. As an individual's mood and environment changes, it can change its coloration between dark brown and bright yellow, and can either connect the line of spots into a black horizontal stripe, or extend them into vertical stripes that span across the top and front of the fish. These color changes take place over the course of a few seconds, which is unusual in freshwater fish. There is no evidence that rainbow cichlids exhibit sexual dimorphism.

Distribution and habitat

This cichlid is native to both the Atlantic and Pacific slopes of Central America, ranging from Costa Rica to Honduras and Nicaragua. It is most commonly found in turbid and shallow waters such as the weedy margins of lakes and streams, or small ponds that are periodically flooded by nearby rivers. An introduced population has also established itself in a hot spring at Hévíz, Hungary.

Diet

The rainbow cichlid is an omnivore. In the wild, it mostly eats flocculent detritus, with a preference for filamentous algae, simple algae, and diatoms. [4] It can also prey on smaller fish and insects. In captivity, it readily consumes commercial flakes or pellets.

Reproduction

This cichlid is a pair-bonded substrate brooder, meaning the male and female mate monogamously (at least for the reproductive season) and the eggs are laid on a substrate to which they stick, rather than brooded inside the mouth.

The male and female form a pair after an initial courtship phase, then establish a territory centered on the future laying substrate, such as rocks. Territory defense is mostly by the male, which excludes all other fish, especially other rainbow males. Aggression with other territorial neighbours is intense at first, but soon settles down. A behavior called "pendeling" can then be seen at the boundaries of the territories: the two male territory owners alternate charges and retreats between them, but never go beyond the boundary, as if it were a glass wall. The males can also "parallel-run", swimming parallel to each other along the boundary. Females also engage in territorial defense, but typically less than males.

The preferred egg-laying substrate is a vertical surface, ideally as part of a cave or tunnel. Lines of eggs are deposited in multiple runs. Spawning can take two hours and produce 500-1500 eggs. [4] The eggs are then aggressively defended, most closely by the female while the male patrols the territory borders. The male may be actively excluded from the nest by the female. The eggs are also fanned, i.e. the parent (male or female, but most often the female [5] ) swims on the spot, either broadside or facing the egg batch about 2 cm away from it, thus creating a flow of water that brings oxygen to the eggs. Fanning is also performed at night; the parent slowly swims along the egg batch, its body at a 90° angle with the surface, its snout or throat slightly touching the eggs. [6] This peculiar way of fanning the eggs, also seen during the day sometimes, has been called "rocking" [5] or "skim-fanning". [4]

Eggs typically hatch two days after spawning. The young fry, commonly called "wrigglers", are immediately moved by the parents to a pit they have previously dug inside the territory. The parents suck a few wrigglers at a time into their mouths and spit them into the pit. The pit is guarded against other fish. Sometimes, the wrigglers are spit onto a vertical surface rather than a pit. The young adhere to the surface because of adhesive mucus-producing glands on the top of their heads. If they fall off, they are retaken by the parents and spit back into position. This use of vertical surfaces is most commonly seen when oxygen levels are low; the parents then spit the wrigglers onto aquatic plants, near the water surface. Proximity to the surface and to oxygen-producing photosynthesizing plants ensures that the wrigglers get more oxygen. [7]

After a few days, wrigglers become free-swimming fry. They venture away from the pit, but remain together and are still protected by both parents. The parents retrieve them into the pit every evening. [4] Fry care can last four weeks or more, after which the young disperse.

Vocalizations

Rainbows can emit underwater sounds, probably with their swim bladders. [8] Sounds described as "volleys" and "thumps" have been recorded during agonistic interactions. "Growls" before spawning may help synchronize the breeding pair as reported in other Cichlids. A "whoof" sound is produced as an appeasement signal between the breeding pair to minimize aggressive interactions.

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cichlid</span> Family of fishes

Cichlids are fish from the family Cichlidae in the order Cichliformes. Traditionally Cichlids were classed in a suborder, the Labroidei, along with the wrasses (Labridae), in the order Perciformes, but molecular studies have contradicted this grouping. On the basis of fossil evidence, it first appeared in Tanzania during the Eocene epoch, about 46–45 million years ago. The closest living relative of cichlids is probably the convict blenny, and both families are classified in the 5th edition of Fishes of the World as the two families in the Cichliformes, part of the subseries Ovalentaria. This family is large, diverse, and widely dispersed. At least 1,650 species have been scientifically described, making it one of the largest vertebrate families. New species are discovered annually, and many species remain undescribed. The actual number of species is therefore unknown, with estimates varying between 2,000 and 3,000.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Dempsey (fish)</span> Species of fish

The Jack Dempsey is a species of cichlid fish that is native to freshwater habitats from southern Mexico to Honduras, but also introduced elsewhere. Its common name refers to its aggressive nature and strong facial features, likened to that of the famous 1920s boxer Jack Dempsey.

<i>Parachromis managuensis</i> Species of fish

Parachromis managuensis is a large species of cichlid native to freshwater habitats in Central America, where it is found from Honduras to Costa Rica. The binomial name refers to Lake Managua in Nicaragua, from which the holotype was obtained. It is a food fish and is also found in the aquarium trade where it is variously known as the jaguar cichlid, managuense cichlid, managua cichlid, guapote tigre, Aztec cichlid, spotted guapote and jaguar guapote. In Costa Rica it is known as the guapote tigre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Convict cichlid</span> Species of fish

The convict cichlid is a fish species from the family Cichlidae, native to Central America, also known as the zebra cichlid. Convict cichlids are popular aquarium fish and have also been the subject of numerous studies on fish behaviour.

<i>Julidochromis</i> Genus of fishes

Julidochromis is a genus of cichlids in the subfamily Pseudocrenilabrinae. They are commonly called julies and are endemic to Lake Tanganyika in eastern Africa. This genus includes six formally described species, some with a number local variants of uncertain taxonomic status. Further taxonomic work is required to determine how many species exist; the closely related Chalinochromis with two more species is sometimes included here and this may be correct. Hybridization makes attempts to determine relationships with molecular phylogenetic methods difficult.

<i>Tropheus moorii</i> Species of fish

Tropheus moorii is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in Africa. Over 40 different color morphs of this species are dispersed throughout the lake, ranging from dark green to flame red and yellow. They mostly feed on filamentous algae on the rocky shallows they inhabit. T. moorii is a maternal mouthbrooder, so eggs are fertilized and young are carried in the mouth of the female while they hatch and develop.

<i>Mayaheros urophthalmus</i> Species of fish

Mayaheros urophthalmus, also known as the Mayan cichlid or Mexican mojarra is a species of cichlid.

<i>Variabilichromis moorii</i> Species of fish

Variabilichromis moorii has no common name and is a species of freshwater cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika in eastern Africa. It is a small ovate bodied fish named for an early collector of fish from the lake, John Edmund Sharrock Moore (1870-1947) who was a cytologist, zoologist and led an expedition to Lake Tanganyika and who discovered this species. Juveniles are usually yellow, and adults are dark brown to black in color. It reaches a total length (TL) of 10.3 centimetres (4.1 in). Currently it is the only member of its genus. V. moorii feeds on algae, zooplankton, and benthic invertebrates. It is also found in the aquarium trade.

<i>Anomalochromis</i> Genus of fishes

Anomalochromis is a genus of fish in the family Cichlidae, containing the single species Anomalochromis thomasi, the African butterfly cichlid. It is a small cichlid growing to a length of 6–8 centimetres (2.4–3.1 in). The natural habitat of A. thomasi is Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, mainly in smaller streams. The fish are typically found in slightly acidic, oxygen rich water with other west African cichlid genera such as Hemichromis and Pelvicachromis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blood parrot cichlid</span> Hybrid fish, first bred in around 1986

The blood parrot cichlid , or parrotcichlid, is a hybrid species of fish in the family Cichlidae. The fish was first bred in Taiwan around 1986. Blood parrots should not be confused with other parrot cichlids or salt water parrotfish. Natural colors of the fish are red, yellow, and grey: other colors are injected by breeders.

<i>Archocentrus</i> Genus of fishes

Archocentrus is a genus of cichlid fish from Central America. It currently contains a single species, the flier cichlid, which is found in stagnant and slow-moving freshwater habitats such as lakes, ponds, ditches, swamps and rivers in Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It is up to 11 cm (4.3 in) long and feeds on invertebrates and detritus.

<i>Mikrogeophagus altispinosus</i> Species of fish

Mikrogeophagus altispinosus is a species of fish endemic to the southern Amazon River basin in Brazil and Bolivia. The species is part of the family Cichlidae and subfamily Geophaginae. It is a popular aquarium fish, traded under the common names Bolivian butterfly, Bolivian ram, Bolivian ram cichlid, and ruby crown cichlid.

<i>Amatitlania sajica</i> Species of fish

Amatitlania sajica, the T-bar cichlid or Sajica cichlid, is a Central American species of cichlid found in freshwater streams and lakes on the Pacific slope of Costa Rica. The fish is tan colored with seven indistinct bars on the body. The third bar is usually prominent and coupled with a dark lateral stripe running from the gill cover results in a horizontal T-shaped mark, hence the common name of T-bar cichlid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Texas cichlid</span> Species of fish

The Texas cichlid, also known as the Rio Grande cichlid, is a freshwater fish of the cichlid family, and the only cichlid species that is native to the United States. It is found in the lower Rio Grande drainage in Texas near Brownsville and northeastern Mexico.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paedophagy</span> Feeding behaviour

Paedophagy in its general form is the feeding behaviour of fish or other animals whose diet is partially, or primarily the eggs or larvae of other animals. However, P. H. Greenwood, who was the first to describe paedophagia, defines it to be a feeding behaviour evolved among cichlid fishes.

Parachromis motaguensis, the False yellowjacket cichlid, is a species of cichlid native to Guatemala and Honduras in Central America. This species grows to a length of 30 centimetres (12 in) TL. This species is farmed.

<i>Alcolapia grahami</i> Species of fish

Alcolapia grahami, the Lake Magadi tilapia or Graham's cichlid, is a vulnerable species of fish in the family Cichlidae. It is specialised to live in hot, alkaline waters in springs and lagoons around hypersaline lakes.

Astatotilapia flaviijosephi, the Jordan mouthbrooder, is a vulnerable species of freshwater fish in the family Cichlidae (cichlids). It is found in the central Jordan River system, including Lake Tiberias (Kinneret), in Israel, Jordan and Syria, making it the only haplochromine cichlid to naturally range outside of Africa. This species is too small to be of significant importance to fisheries, unlike the only other cichlids native to the Levant, the economically important tilapias.

<i>Limnotilapia dardennii</i> Species of fish

Limnotilapia dardennii, the latticed cichlid, is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it prefers rocky areas near the coast. It may also be found in the aquarium trade. This species is currently the only known member of its genus.

<i>Chromidotilapia guntheri</i> Species of fish

Chromidotilapia guntheri, or Günther's mouthbrooder, is a cichlid from Africa. It was previously considered to consist of two subspecies, the common C. g. guntheri ranges from Liberia to Equatorial Guinea and Niger, and the critically endangered C. g. loennbergi which was thought to be restricted to Lake Barombi-ba-Kotto, a small crater lake in Cameroon but these subspecies are not supported by subsequent authorities. The species is noted for being a biparental mouthbrooder. Eggs are laid on a flat open surface and taken in the parents' mouth. Unlike many mouthbrooding cichlid species, both parents participate in the mouthbrooding.

References

  1. 1 2 McMahan, C.D.; Matamoros, W.A.; Piller, K.R. & Chakrabarty, P. (2015). "Taxonomy and systematics of the herichthyins (Cichlidae: Tribe Heroini), with the description of eight new Middle American Genera" (PDF). Zootaxa. 3999 (2): 211–234. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3999.2.3. PMID   26623572. S2CID   34699955.
  2. ↑ Hulsey, C.D.; Garcia De Leon, F.J. (2005). "Cichlid jaw mechanics: Linking morphology to feeding specialization". Functional Ecology. 19 (3): 487–494. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2435.2005.00987.x .
  3. 1 2 Říčan, O., Piálek, L., Dragová, K. & Novák, J. (2016). "Diversity and evolution of the Middle American cichlid fishes (Teleostei: Cichlidae) with revised classification" (PDF). Vertebrate Zoology. 66 (1): 1–102. doi: 10.3897/vz.66.e31534 . S2CID   257203657 . Retrieved 2019-01-25.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  4. 1 2 3 4 Baylis, J.R. (1974). "The behavior and ecology of Herotilapia multispinosa (Teleostei, Cichlidae)". Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie. 34 (2): 115–146. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0310.1974.tb01793.x. S2CID   46167325.
  5. 1 2 Smith-Grayton, P.K. & Keenleyside, M.H.A. (1978). "Male-female parental roles in Herotilapia multispinosa (Pisces: Cichlidae)". Animal Behaviour. 26: 520–526. doi:10.1016/0003-3472(78)90068-4. S2CID   53196883.
  6. ↑ Reebs, S.G. & Colgan, P.W. (1991). "Nocturnal care of eggs and circadian rhythms of fanning activity in two normally diurnal cichlid fishes, Cichlasoma nigrofasciatum and Herotilapia multispinosa". Animal Behaviour. 41 (2): 303–311. doi:10.1016/s0003-3472(05)80482-8. S2CID   53180421.
  7. ↑ Courtenay, S.C.; Keenleyside, M.H.A. (1983). "Wriggler-hanging: a response to hypoxia by brood-rearing Herotilapia multispinosa (Telostei, Cichlidae)". Behaviour. 85 (3): 183–197. doi:10.1163/156853983x00219.
  8. ↑ Brown, D.H. & Marshall, J.A. (1978). "Reproductive behaviour of the rainbow cichlid, Herotilapia multispinosa (Pisces, Cichlidae)". Behaviour. 67 (3): 299–321. doi:10.1163/156853978x00378.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.