Cichlid ID please [Archive]

gsparsan

02-10-2009, 8:40 AM

I went to a lake and was surprised to see a few cichlids. I knew there are Tilapia, gourami, wild sword tails, carps, wild guppies, eels but never saw a cichlid there before.

I could not get a picture but it looks very similar to the convict except that it has light brown stripes on dark brown/black body.

Does any one know which cichlid I am talking about?

And no, I am now allowed to collect from this lake :swear:

KarlTh

02-10-2009, 9:08 AM

Tilapia are cichlids.

Knowing where the lake is might give us a clue.

jpappy789

02-10-2009, 12:01 PM

:iagree:

Location will determine the cichlid. Tropical areas also can harbor non-natives...

gsparsan

02-10-2009, 10:20 PM

Its in Mauritius, which is a tropical island in Indian Ocean

Fishing is not allowed in the lake nor collecting live fish. So the fish population in this lake is thriving. It is the only place I know of here where you can still find wild swordtail. Most of the species have been introduced during colonial times in the last century. I have been going to that lake several times a year since I was a child and its the first time I saw this fish there.

gsparsan

02-10-2009, 10:29 PM

I found this picture of the lake online:
http://www.geocities.com/yramtohul/Index-mauritius/Mauritius_Grand_Bassin_2.jpg

KarlTh

02-11-2009, 4:54 AM

There aren't many native cichlids there so unfortunately it could be almost anything.

jpappy789

02-11-2009, 4:25 PM

Any chance you can get a pic?

gsparsan

02-12-2009, 2:01 AM

Any chance you can get a pic?

The first thing I thought when I saw the fish was my camera. I didn't even have my mobile with me. Its at least a couple of hours drive away. Next time I do there I'll sure bring my camera with me.

7itanium

02-12-2009, 2:04 AM

could be ANYTHING.. without a decent pic its almost impossible to tell