Crenicichla ypo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Crenicichla ypo
Male specimen
Scientific classification

Crenicichla ypo is a special type of fish known as a cichlid. It lives in the freshwaters of South America. This fish is found mainly in the Arroyo Uruguaí river system, which is part of the larger Paraná River basin in Misiones, Argentina. It can grow to be about 13.7 cm (5.4 in) long.

About the Ypo Pike Cichlid

Crenicichla ypo is a fascinating fish. It belongs to a large family of fish called cichlids. Cichlids are known for being very diverse. They come in many shapes, sizes, and colors. The Crenicichla ypo is sometimes called a "pike cichlid." This is because its body shape is long and slender. It looks a bit like a pike fish.

Where This Fish Lives

The Crenicichla ypo lives in South America. Specifically, it is found in the country of Argentina. Its home is in the Misiones Province. This area has many rivers and streams. The fish lives in the Arroyo Uruguaí basin. This basin is part of the bigger Paraná River system. The Paraná River is one of the longest rivers in South America. It flows through Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.

Its Natural Habitat

These fish prefer clear, flowing water. They often hide among rocks and plants. This helps them stay safe from predators. It also helps them ambush their own food. The water in their habitat is usually warm. It is also rich in oxygen. This makes it a perfect home for many fish species.

What the Ypo Pike Cichlid Looks Like

The Crenicichla ypo is a medium-sized fish. It can grow up to 13.7 centimeters long. That's about 5.4 inches. Males and females might look slightly different. The male specimen shown in the picture has bright colors. These colors can help them attract a mate. They also help them blend into their surroundings.

Body Features

Like other cichlids, Crenicichla ypo has strong fins. These fins help it swim fast. They also help it move quickly through the water. Its mouth is designed for catching prey. It has sharp teeth. This helps it grab small fish and insects. Its eyes are on the sides of its head. This gives it a wide view of its surroundings.

How This Fish Was Discovered

Scientists officially described Crenicichla ypo in 2010. A team of researchers found this new species. The team included Jorge Rafael Casciotta and Adriana Edith Almirón. Lubomír Piálek, Sergio Enrique Gómez, and Oldřich Říčan were also part of the team. They studied the fish carefully. They compared it to other known species. This confirmed it was a new discovery.

Naming the Species

The name Crenicichla ypo has a special meaning. "Crenicichla" is the name of the group of fish it belongs to. "Ypo" comes from the Guaraní language. Guaraní is spoken by many people in the region. "Ypo" means "waterfall" or "cascade." This name likely refers to the type of habitat where the fish was found. It might live near small waterfalls or rapids.

What Crenicichla ypo Eats

Crenicichla ypo is a predator. This means it hunts other animals for food. Its diet mainly consists of smaller fish. It also eats insects and other small creatures. These fish are very good at hiding. They wait for their prey to come close. Then, they quickly dart out to catch it. This hunting style is called ambushing.

Its Role in the Ecosystem

As a predator, Crenicichla ypo plays an important role. It helps control the population of smaller fish and insects. This keeps the ecosystem balanced. It is part of the food web. Other larger animals might also prey on Crenicichla ypo. This includes bigger fish or birds.

See also

In Spanish: Crenicichla ypo para niños