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Chameleon cichlid

Australoheros facetus

Chameleon cichlid© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Chameleon cichlid (Australoheros facetus) is a small, colorful freshwater cichlid native to slow‑moving rivers and ponds of southern South America. Reaching up to 19.3 cm, it is prized by aquarium hobbyists rather than anglers, but it can be caught with light‑tackle in its natural habitat.

Fight
Taste

Basic Information

Family

Cichlidae

Max Size

19.3 cm

Habitat

freshwater

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Spring and summer (October‑March in Southern Hemisphere) when water temperatures rise above 18 °C

Best Time

Early morning or late afternoon, when the fish are actively foraging

Distribution

No distribution map available

Fishing Tips for Chameleon cichlid

  • Use light tackle (2‑4 lb test line) and a 5‑6 ft ultralight spin rod.
  • Present small live baits such as mosquito larvae, daphnia or tiny earthworms near the bottom.
  • Fish near submerged vegetation or overhanging cover where the cichlids hide.
  • Keep a steady, slow retrieve; a gentle jigging motion with a micro‑spoon can also entice bites.

Top Fishing Locations for Chameleon cichlid

Río Uruguay near Paysandú

Uruguay
beginner92% Guaranteed

River stretch with abundant rocky substrates and vegetation, prime habitat for Chameleon cichlid.

Best: December-February

Laguna de los Patos

Argentina
beginner85% Very Common

Shallow lagoon in Buenos Aires Province with abundant aquatic plants, known for high densities of introduced Chameleon cichlid.

Best: October-March

Rio de la Plata estuary near Montevideo

Uruguay
intermediate78% Very Common

Brackish estuary where riverine and coastal habitats intersect, supporting robust populations of the species.

Best: December-February

Lake Macquarie

Australia
intermediate55% Common

Large coastal lake where Chameleon cichlid has become naturalised; anglers target them around submerged structures.

Best: January-March

Lake Okeechobee

USA
beginner38% Occasional

Florida's vast freshwater lake hosts an established population of the species, especially near weed beds.

Best: April-September

Ka‘ū Reservoir

United States (Hawaii)
expert27% Uncommon

High‑elevation reservoir where Chameleon cichlid was introduced; catches are occasional but reliable in the wet season.

Best: May-October

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Chameleon cichlid

Recommended Equipment

RodUltralight spinning rod, fast action, 5‑6 ft
Line2‑4 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeMicro jigs or tiny soft plastic grubs
TechniqueLight bait fishing near vegetation; gentle jigging

Best bait: Mosquito larvae, daphnia, small earthworms