Moga (Hypsophrys nicaraguensis)

Scientific name: Hypsophrys nicaraguensis G?nther, 1864

The Moga (Hypsophrys nicaraguensis) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–36°C (73–97°F). Native range: Central America, Atlantic slope, from the San Juan drainage, including Lake Nicaragua, in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, to the Matina River drainage in Costa Rica.

Moga care at a glance

Temperature: 23–36°C (73–97°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 18 - 19; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9-11; Anal spines: 7 - 8; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9. This species can be distinguished by the dark line running through the middle of the body and the large black blotch positioned midlength; head profile extremely curved with the mouth on the lower part of the head; in males, the scales have dark edges producing a reticulated pattern, their fins with many dark spots, and a red edge to the dorsal fin; both males with iridescent, greenish-blue head and with gold to copper-colored bodies.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Hypsophrys nicaraguensis
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 16.5
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 20 benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Central America: Atlantic slope, from the San Juan drainage, including Lake Nicaragua, in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, to the Matina River drainage in Costa Rica.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)