Como identificar Tucunaré

Para identificar Tucunaré (Cichla ocellaris), observe estas características principais.

Características físicas

Formato do corpo

elongated

Coloração

Highly variable, but generally golden-yellow to olive-green base coloration with three prominent dark vertical bars on the flanks. A distinctive black ocellus (eye-spot) ringed with gold or white is present at the base of the caudal fin. Males often develop a nuchal hump (forehead hump) during breeding season. Fins can be yellowish to reddish.

Tipo de escama

ctenoid

Posição da boca

terminal

Características distintivas

Prominent black ocellus (eye-spot) at the base of the caudal fin, often ringed with a lighter color., Three dark vertical bars on the flanks, though these can be faded or broken depending on mood and habitat., Large mouth with numerous small, conical teeth., Males develop a pronounced nuchal hump during spawning., Elongated, robust body typical of a predatory fish.

Nadadeira dorsal

Two dorsal fins, the first spiny and the second soft-rayed, deeply notched between them. The spiny dorsal typically has 15-17 spines, and the soft dorsal has 10-12 rays.

Nadadeira caudal

Rounded to slightly emarginate caudal fin, with the characteristic ocellus at its base.

Nadadeira peitoral

Large and rounded, positioned low on the body.

Nadadeiras características

Pelvic fins are thoracic, located directly below the pectoral fins. Anal fin is relatively short with 3 spines and 7-9 soft rays.

Dicas de identificação

1. 1

   Caudal Ocellus

   The most reliable distinguishing feature is the prominent black spot (ocellus) at the base of the caudal fin, which is typically ringed with a lighter color (gold or white). This ocellus is usually distinct and complete in C. ocellaris, unlike some other Cichla species where it might be broken or absent.

2. 2

   Vertical Bars

   Observe the three dark vertical bars on the flanks. While variable, they are generally present and relatively solid in C. ocellaris. The anterior bar is often located just behind the pectoral fin, the middle bar near the middle of the body, and the posterior bar above the anal fin.

3. 3

   Body Shape and Size

   C. ocellaris has a robust, elongated body. Adults typically reach lengths of 30-60 cm (12-24 inches), with some individuals exceeding 70 cm (28 inches) and weights over 5 kg (11 lbs). The head is large with a prominent mouth.

4. 4

   Nuchal Hump (Males)

   During breeding season, mature males develop a noticeable fatty hump on their forehead (nuchal hump), which is a secondary sexual characteristic.

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