Laetacara dorsigera (Heckel 1840)

Distinguished from all other species of the genus by the following combination of characters: scales on the longitudinal series 21-22; a dark spot on dorsal fin above trunk bar 5, and usuallyabove trunk bar 4; head depth 90.2-96.3 % mm HL; cycloid scales on head sides; dorsal-fin rays 9-10; anal-fin rays 8-9; total vertebrae 24; scales on the upper lateral line 14-15; scales on the lower lateral line 6-8; absence of a dark dot at the edge of each scale on the midlateral portion of the flank; and a wide ectopterygoid (Ref. 80972).

Dorsal spines (total): 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 9 - 10; Analspines: 3; Analsoft rays: 8 - 9; Vertebrae: 24

Found in rivers (Ref. 12965). Known to leap from the water to land on nearby buoyant vegetation to escape predators, but this may in turn, make them vulnerable to aerial hunters (Ref. 40103). Maximum length 8 cm TL (Ref. 1672).

fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial