Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cypriniformes
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Genus
- Crenicichla
- Species
- lenticulata
Habitat
This species inhabits freshwater rivers and streams in the Amazon River Basin, particularly in Brazil's Tapera, Agua Boa, Negro, and Amazon rivers. It prefers slow-moving waters with dense vegetation and submerged structures for cover. They are commonly found in both clear and turbid environments with sandy or muddy substrates.
Diet
The lenticulated jacunda primarily feeds on smaller fish, insects, and crustaceans, using an ambush technique to capture prey. It is an active daytime hunter, often lurking among aquatic plants before striking. Feeding intensity increases during the wet season when food is more abundant.
Behavior
Lenticulated jacundas are solitary and territorial, aggressively defending their hiding spots in vegetation from intruders. They are diurnal predators, remaining inactive at night, and exhibit stealthy hunting behaviors. During breeding, males become highly protective of their nests, chasing away potential threats.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.