Central America: Atlantic slope, from the San Juan drainage, including Lake Nicaragua, in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, to the Matina River drainage in Costa Rica. Countries | FAO areas | Ecosystems | Occurrences | Introductions
Short description
Dorsalspines
(total): 18 - 19;
Dorsalsoft rays
(total): 9 - 11;
Analspines: 7 - 8;
Analsoft rays: 7 - 9. This species can be distinguished by the dark line running through the middle of the body and the large black blotch positioned midlength; head profile extremely curved with the mouth on the lower part of the head; in males, the scales have dark edges producing a reticulated pattern, their fins with many dark spots, and a red edge to the dorsal fin; both males with iridescent, greenish-blue head and with gold to copper-colored bodies (Ref. 44091).
Inhabit lakes and rivers with slow to moderate currents, between 5 to 200 m elevation (Ref. 36880). Juveniles feed on aquatic insects, while adults feed on bottom detritus, seeds and leaves. Also naturally feed on snails and other mollusks, but will accept a variety of food in captivity (Ref. 44091). Maximum length 25 cm TL (Ref. 2060).
