How to Identify Chanchito, Chameleon Cichlid, South American Flag Cichlid

To identify Chanchito, Chameleon Cichlid, South American Flag Cichlid (Australoheros facetus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

compressed

Coloration

Highly variable. Base color ranges from yellowish-brown to olive-green, often with irregular dark blotches or vertical bars that can appear and disappear rapidly. A prominent dark spot is usually present on the flank, and another at the base of the caudal fin. Fins are typically translucent to yellowish, sometimes with dark spots or streaks. Breeding males often display more intense coloration and a nuchal hump.

Scale type

ctenoid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Robust, oval-shaped body, laterally compressed., Large head with a relatively small, protractile mouth., Variable coloration, allowing for rapid changes in pattern and intensity., Presence of a nuchal hump in mature males, especially during breeding., Typically 7-9 vertical bars on the body, often indistinct., A distinct dark spot on the mid-flank and another at the caudal peduncle.

Dorsal fin

Long, continuous dorsal fin with 15-17 spines and 9-11 soft rays. The spiny portion is longer than the soft-rayed portion.

Tail fin

Rounded to truncate caudal fin.

Pectoral fin

Well-developed, fan-shaped pectoral fins.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin with 7-9 spines and 7-9 soft rays. Pelvic fins are pointed.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape and Size

   Robust, oval, and laterally compressed body. Adults typically reach 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) in total length, with males generally larger than females.

2. 2

   Coloration and Pattern

   Highly variable. Look for a yellowish-brown to olive-green base color with irregular dark blotches or vertical bars. A prominent dark spot on the mid-flank and another at the caudal peduncle are key identifiers. Color changes rapidly with mood.

3. 3

   Nuchal Hump

   Mature males, especially during breeding, develop a noticeable fatty hump on their forehead (nuchal hump).

4. 4

   Fin Structure

   Long dorsal fin with a spiny anterior portion. Caudal fin is rounded to truncate.

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