Cichla

Genus Cichla

Cichla

Michael Goulding

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Species

  • Cichla monoculus
  • Cichla pleiozona
  • Cichla sp.
  • Cichla temensis

Common names

  • Bolivia: (Common names not yet available)
  • Brazil: Jacunda, Lucanari, Sarabiana, Tucunare, Tucunaré-açú, Tucunare-paca, Tucunaré-pinima
  • Colombia: Tucunaré, Pavón
  • Ecuador: Vieja
  • Peru: Pavón, Tucunaré

Summary

Group of commercially important fishes comprising three or four species of the genus Cichla. They are voracious piscivorous predators that inhabit mainly still waters, although some species may also be found on beaches and in river channels during the low-water season. In addition to their fishery importance, they constitute the most relevant group for sport fishing in the Amazon because of their beauty and fighting ability. It has been observed that in some várzea areas under prolonged exploitation they may reach sexual maturity at smaller sizes.

Taxonomy

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Teleostei
  • Order: Perciformes
  • Family: Cichlidae
  • Genus: Cichla
  • Taxon category: Genus

Distribution

Tucunaré species are widely distributed in the Amazon basin. Potential production is estimated at approximately 4,300 tonnes. About 52% of potential catches come from the Central Amazon, followed by Tocantins (27%), the Peruvian Amazon (8%) and the Estuary region (6%). They show a local migratory pattern, generally under 100 km. An important share of Central Amazon catches comes from the Balbina reservoir, near Manaus.

Threat status

(Insufficient data)

Reproduction

The spawning period occurs throughout the year.

Feeding

They are predatory piscivorous fishes that feed mainly on other fishes.

Habitat

They mainly inhabit still waters of the Amazon basin. Some species may be common on beaches and in river channels during low-water periods.

Uses, management and conservation

Tucunaré is one of the most important fishery resources of the Amazon and the main target species of sport fishing in the region. Potential production is estimated at 4,300 tonnes. Marketing is oriented mainly toward the national market outside the Amazon and it is considered a first-category commercial fish.

References

(Not available)