Archocentrus spilurus
Archocentrus spilurus
(blue-eye cichlid)
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Jiri Plistil - AQUATAB Copyright Info
Archocentrus spilurus (Günther, 1862)
Common name: blue-eye cichlid
Synonyms and Other Names: Cutter's cichlid
Taxonomy: available through www.itis.govITIS logo

Identification: Synonyms or other names include Cichlasoma spilurus and C. cutteri. The species is included in keys of Greenfield and Thomerson (1997). A few distinguishing characteristics were given in Sterba (1973) and in Conkel (1993). Photographs were provided by Konings (1989) and by Conkel (1993).
Size: 11 cm SL.
Native Range: Tropical America. Atlantic Slope drainages of Middle America (Conkel 1993); from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, throughout Belize, south to Panama (Greenfield and Thomerson 1997).
Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Nonindigenous Occurrences:

Table 1. States with nonindigenous occurrences, the earliest and latest observations in each state, and the tally and names of HUCs with observations†. Names and dates are hyperlinked to their relevant specimen records. The list of references for all nonindigenous occurrences of Archocentrus spilurus are found here.

StateFirst ObservedLast ObservedTotal HUCs with observations†HUCs with observations†
HI198420052Hawaii Region; Oahu

Table last updated 3/28/2025

† Populations may not be currently present.
Means of Introduction: Aquarium escape; considered an accidental introduction (Devick 1991a, b).
Status: Established in Hawaii since about 1984 (Devick 1991a, b).
Impact of Introduction: The impacts of this species are currently unknown, as no studies have been done to determine how it has affected ecosystems in the invaded range. The absence of data does not equate to lack of effects. It does, however, mean that research is required to evaluate effects before conclusions can be made.
Remarks: There are no known voucher specimens.
References: (click for full references)

Conkel, D. 1993. Cichlids of North and Central America. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Devick, W. S. 1991a. Disturbances and fluctuations in the Wahiawa Reservoir ecosystem. Project F-14-R-15, Job 4, Study I. Division of Aquatic Resources, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources. 21 pp.

Devick, W. S. 1991b. Patterns of introductions of aquatic organisms to Hawaiian freshwater habitats. Pages 189-213 in new directions in research, management and conservation of Hawaiian freshwater stream ecosystems. Proceedings of the 1990 symposium on freshwater stream biology and fisheries management, Division of Aquatic Resources, Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Konings, A. 1989. Cichlids from Central America. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Sterba, G. 1973. Freshwater fishes of the world. English translation and revision from German. Two volumes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Publications, Inc., Neptune City, NJ.

Other Resources:
FishBase Summary
Author: Nico, L.
Revision Date: 8/6/2018
Peer Review Date: 6/7/1999

Citation Information:
Nico, L., 2025, Archocentrus spilurus (Günther, 1862): U.S. Geological Survey, Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database, Gainesville, FL, https://nas.er.usgs.gov/queries/FactSheet.aspx?SpeciesID=450, Revision Date: 8/6/2018, Peer Review Date: 6/7/1999, Access Date: 3/29/2025

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.

Disclaimer:

The data represented on this site vary in accuracy, scale, completeness, extent of coverage and origin. It is the user's responsibility to use these data consistent with their intended purpose and within stated limitations. We highly recommend reviewing metadata files prior to interpreting these data.

Citation information: U.S. Geological Survey. [2025]. Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, Florida. Accessed [3/29/2025].

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For general information and questions about the database, contact Wesley Daniel. For problems and technical issues, contact Matthew Neilson.



Disclaimer:

The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.



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