The Pearl Cichlid (Geophagus brasiliensis) is a freshwater fish in the Cichlidae family. 

The Pearl Cichlid has an oval-shaped body, with light-brown to silver-blue or dark-blue to purple scales. It has one dark spot on each side of its body.

It measures 15-30 centimetres (6-12 inches) long.

The Pearl Cichlid is native to South America, in the waterways of countries such as Brazil and Uruguay.

It is omnivorous, eating small aquatic animals and algae. It digs for food with its protractile mouth (pouted or big-lipped mouth). It has teeth.  

The female Pearl Cichlid lays eggs on a flat stone or hole in the sand. The eggs hatch after about 3 days. When the young fish, called fry, are in danger, the parents will protect them in their mouths. This is called mouthbrooding. 

Location of photographs: Parc Zoologique de Paris in Bois de Vincennes, France

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM