Cichlid Profiles - Cichlasoma taenia
 

Also known as the Large or Brown Coscarob, this medium sized cichlid is found in Venezuela and Trinidad. It is oval with a ground color of light and darker patches that have the effect of a gray background. It has a red eye, and a stripe from the back of the eye to the tail. There is a dorsal midbody blotch, and an upper caudal peduncle blotch. There are 7 semi-distinct vertical bars on the body from the tail to the operculum. Pectoral fins are gold, the other fins gray.They get 6 inches long. They are bottom dwellers, found in water of pH 7-8 and temperature of 77-81 degrees. They are insectivores.

They are seldom kept in aquariums, and do constitute a minor commercial fishery in their native regions.They are heterospecifically very peaceful. See pictures at "Images of Cichlasoma taenia."