Copeina guttata (Redded Copéina)

Copeina Guttata fish is a freshwater fish from the Cichlidae family. It is native to the fresh and shallow waters of South America, in particular the Amazon basin. The Copeina Guttata fish has an elongated body and compressed laterally, with a gray-green color on the back and the upper side, and a white belly. He has black spots on the fins and a black band on the caudal fin. The mouth of the Copeina Guttata fish is small and located below the head, which allows it to scratch the bottom of the water in search of food.

Copeina Guttata fish is a lonely and territorial fish, which generally lives alone or as a couple. It can measure up to 10 cm in length and live up to 5 years in captivity. Copeina Guttata fish feeds mainly on small crustaceans and invertebrates it finds on the bottom of the water, but it can also eat algae and plants.

Copeina Guttata fish is considered a peaceful and not very aggressive animal, but it can become territorial when it reproduces. The breeding period generally occurs in summer, when the waters are warmer and the food is more abundant. The male builds a nest by digging the bottom of the water and placing stones and plants there, then attracts the female for fertilization. The female lays up to 300 eggs, which the male fertilizes and protects until they hatch about a week later. The fry is independent upon blossoming and feed on a diet similar to that of adults.

Copeina Guttata fish is considered a endangered species due to the destruction of its natural habitat by humans. It is also threatened by water pollution and excessive capture for the aquarophilia trade. Despite these threats, Copeina Guttata fish is still widespread in its natural habitat and it is protected by certain laws in South America.