Amphilophus chancho
 
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Chancho cichlidSustainable Development and Wild Nature Conservation in NICARAGUAAnimals of Laguna de Apoyo Nature ReserveGaiaSeveral species of the Midas cichlid species complex (Osteichthyes: Cichlidae) are found in Lake Apoyo, Nicaragua. The largest of the group in this lake is the chancho cichlid, Amphilophus chancho. The chancho cichlid (in Spanish, "mojarra chancho") is endemic to the lake and it evolved there, and it was officially described in 2008, by Jay R. Stauffer, Jr., Jeffrey McCrary, and Karen Black. Until then, it was considered a color form or Evolutionary Significant Unit of the species Amphilophus citrinellus, whose recognized name in earlier literature is Cichlasoma citrinellum. To date, six species in Midas cichlid (Amphilophus citrinellus) species group have been described in Lake Apoyo, and evidence suggests that more are yet to be discovered from there.
The chancho cichlid is easily seen in appropriate habitat while SCUBA diving. Nesting activity is concentrated in the dry season, when pairs may be quite easily sighted in or around nesting caves. Both members of the breeding pair guard their fry around forty days. Males are typically much larger than females in the breeding pairs. When not breeding, the chancho cichlids tend to school, in combination with other members of the Midas cichlid species complex or sometimes, as a single-species school.
The natural range of this species is extremely small, being limited to the waters of Laguna de Apoyo. Nonetheless, the conservation status of the chancho cichlid has not been evaluated to date. Its evaluation and conservation measures for its protection are urgent. Gaia scientists are at work to know more about this species, including its population dynamics and the impacts of human activities in and around Laguna de Apoyo on its population.
Would you like to share your photographs of the chancho cichlid in Laguna de Apoyo Nature Reserve? Please share them with us by contacting us. Animals of Laguna de Apoyo Nature ReserveAmphilophus chanchoDarwin's Newest DreampondGenetic, behavioral, and morphological evidence of divergence in the Midas cichlid species complexSpecies description Amphilophus chanchoBlog Midas cichlidBlog entry 1 variegated squirrelBlog entry 2 variegated squirrelYou can help us keep nature wild in Nicaragua, by volunteering your time with us or making a small donation to support our projects in wild nature conservation. FUNDECI homepageEnvironmental Program In Defense of NatureApoyo Spanish SchoolVolunteerBirdwatchingThe Mountain SchoolDive Laguna de ApoyoProyecto EcológicoHostelLaguna de ApoyoAnimals of Laguna de ApoyoSpanish Studies and Volunteering in Laguna de ApoyoArts and Culture in NicaraguaFollow us on Facebooknonprofit status of FUNDECIGoogle PlusFollow us on Twittercontact us  Page Comparison Tool 
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