Description

Dorsal spines (total): 17 - 18; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Anal spines: 6 - 8; Anal soft rays: 7 - 8. This species has no unique autapomorphies, the third (main) lateral bar uniformly wide (its width not uniform in other species); caudal blotch usually absent; no lateral spot or medial intensification of bars on side of body; absence of ocellus on dorsal fin; without abdominal blackening in mature females; palatine arms subequal; posteriad projection on ventroposterior angle of retroarticular absent; articular with a right angle ventrally; an anteriorly directed pronounced convexity on ventral process of articular present; anal-fin spines modally 7 (Ref. 74403).

Common Names

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Cichliformes

Family: Cichlidae

Genus: Amatitlania

Species: Amatitlania sajica (Bussing, 1974)

Climate Zone

Location

Biology

Inhabits rivers and rivulets which have moderate to strong currents but is not found in the rapids. Prefers smaller rocks and gravel. Found up to 2000 feet of elevation. Omnivorous, feeding on algal filaments, aquatic insects, seeds and bottom detritus. Spawns in caves or crevices, preferring to adhere its eggs to an oblique or vertical surface. Produces about 200 offspring which feed on the parent's dermal mucus.

Habitat

benthopelagic