Mayan Cichlid
This is a fish from Mexico and Central America that can grow over 12 inches long. It is an important food for local people and both parents take care of the babies.
What is it?
The Mayan Cichlid (scientific name: Mayaheros urophthalmus) is a freshwater fish. It lives in lakes, rivers, and lagoons in Mexico and Central America. It can grow to be more than 12 inches long.
How old?
You learned about this fish in 2024. The species has been around for a long time, but we don't know exactly how old.
What was it like?
This fish is common in the wild. It builds a big bowl-shaped nest in the mud. Both the mother and father guard the eggs and the baby fish (called fry) for about one month. This shows strong parental care.
Why does it matter?
The Mayan Cichlid is an important food source for indigenous people in its region. Understanding this fish helps us protect the biodiversity of freshwater habitats in Mexico and Central America.
Connections
Next to find
- Look for another fish that builds a nest and guards its eggs.
- Find out what other animals live in the same lakes and rivers as the Mayan Cichlid.
- Learn about other fish that are important food sources for people.
玛雅丽鱼
这是一种来自墨西哥和中美洲的鱼，可以长到超过12英寸。它是当地人的重要食物，父母双方都会照顾宝宝。
这是什么？
玛雅丽鱼（学名：Mayaheros urophthalmus）是一种淡水鱼。它生活在墨西哥和中美洲的湖泊、河流和泻湖中。它可以长到超过12英寸长。
它有多古老？
你在2024年了解到这种鱼。这个物种已经存在很长时间了，但我们不知道确切有多古老。
它是什么样的？
这种鱼在野外很常见。它在泥里筑一个大碗状的巢。鱼爸爸和鱼妈妈都会守护鱼卵和幼鱼（称为鱼苗）大约一个月。这显示了强烈的亲代照顾行为。
为什么重要？
玛雅丽鱼是该地区土著居民的重要食物来源。了解这种鱼有助于我们保护墨西哥和中美洲淡水栖息地的生物多样性。
联系
接下来寻找
- 寻找另一种筑巢并守护鱼卵的鱼。
- 找出哪些其他动物与玛雅丽鱼生活在同一湖泊和河流中。
- 了解其他作为重要食物来源的鱼。