Eartheater Cichlid

 

Common Name(s): Eartheater Cichlid
Scientific Name: Geophagus Altifrons
Local Name(s):
Precaution: Harmless
Edible: Yes

An introduced fish that can be found in reservoirs that filters food from the substrate. They feed on small aquatic insects, larvae and worms. This cichlid can be easily identified by its long pelvic fins and mouth tipped downwards. This fish is not much of a predator but can be aggressive during nesting and may attack lures. May be found solitary or in groups.

Mayan Cichlid

 

 

Common Name(s): , Mexican Mojarra

Scientific Name: Cichlasoma Urophthalmus
Local Name(s):
Precaution: Harmless
Edible: Yes

The Mayan cichlid, Cichlasoma urophthalmus, is a member of the Cichlidae family of fish. It is also known as the mojarra castarrica in its native Mexico. It has interesting colors, with its eight black bands (starting just behind the eye) and its large ocellus (eyespot) on the caudal peduncle (base of the tail), which gives it its scientific name. It has a base color of brown to red that becomes more intense during breeding. As in many animals, the red color is much more brilliant in wild specimens than captive ones, but one can help maintain some of its vibrance by feeding the fish live foods and foods that contain Vitamin A, which breaks down into the red pigment beta-carotene in the body. Previously, this species was a member of the genus Cichlasoma and the subgeneric section Nandopsis. However, the genus Cichlasoma is in revision and has been restricted to the 12 species of South American cichlids related to Cichlasoma bimaculatum. Thus, many of the approximately 100 species that were formerly members of Cichlasoma have yet to be formally assigned to a new genus, and are conventionally referred to as "Cichlasoma" for the time being, with the subgeneric section tentatively intended as the new genus. Thus, the Mayan cichlid is identified here as both Cichlasoma uropthalmus and Cichlasoma (Nandopsis) urophthalmus in accord with the convention for taxonomically undetermined cichlids (Kullander 1983, Stiassny 1991).

Flowerhorn Cichlid

 

Common Name(s): Flowerhorn Cichlid
Scientific Name: ???
Local Name(s): [Md]罗汉(Luo2 Han4)
Precaution: Harmless
Edible: Yes but not advisable

An introduced and once popularly cultured cichlid in Singapore. Due to its popularity and demand, this cichlid has been cross bred with other cichlids. When its popularity was over, many of these cichlids were dumped by into reservoirs, rivers and streams islandwide.

The flower cichlid can grow up to a kilogram or more and can be caught on prawn meat or worms. This fish has very little value to anglers in terms of thrill or meat.

Jaguar Cichlid

 

Common Name(s): Jaguar Cichlid, Guapote Tigre
Scientific Name: Parachromis Managuensis
Local Name(s):
Precaution: Harmless
Edible: Yes
CNR Time: 1 min

Introduced fish from Central America

Mozambique Tilapia

 

Common Name(s): Mozambique Tilapia, Common Tilapia
Scientific Name: Oreochromis Mossambicus
Local Name(s): [Hk]Jip Puun Heurr
Precaution: Harmless
Edible: Yes
CNR Time: 1 min

This is one of the most common cichlid in Singapore, better known as the 'Japanese fish' because they were introduced by Japanese during World War II as a food source. The fish originates from East Africa. Locally, they can be found from reservoirs to shallow stream and adapt well to fresh and brackish waters. This cichlid can be found swimming in groups but will isolate to a pair during mating. The male will dig a hole at the bed of a stream and courts the female.

One of the best bait to catch this tilapia is probably earthworms. They are easier to catch when in group, and will fight for the very last piece of worm. During mating however, they seem uninterested in feeding

Nile Tilapia

 

Common Name(s): Nile Tilapia
Scientific Name: Oreochromis Niloticus Niloticus
Local Name(s): [Hk]Jip Puun Heurr
Precaution: Harmless
Edible: Yes
CNR Time: 1 min

Another common tilapia often found along side with the Mozambique Tilapia. They share similar habitat, diet and behaviour. This tilapia can sometimes be seen using as bait to catch Giant Snakeheads as an alternative to using catfishes.

Zebra Tilapia

 

Common Name(s): Zebra Tilapia
Scientific Name: Tilapia Buttikoferi
Local Name(s): [Hk]Orh Peh(?), [Md]九纹龙(Jiu3 Wen2 Long2)
Precaution: Harmless
Edible: Yes
CNR Time: 1 min

This introduced species is common in all our reservoirs and also kept by aquarium hobbyists. It is one of the most aggressive cichlids around and will attack fishes bigger than its own size. This is why this fish can sometimes be caught one lures; not because it was preying for the lure, but rather attacking it out of its aggressive nature.

The Zebra Tilapia can be found solitary and also in groups, sometimes together with other species of cichlids. Typical adults can grow up to 500g - 700g. They are omnivorous but prefers more plant diet, and can be easily caught using bread