Other marine life
Mayan Cichlid
Mayaheros urophthalmus
IUCN status: Least concern
The largest fish most cenote divers actually see. Olive with dark vertical bars and a black eyespot ringed in blue at the tail base. Common in the open, lit basins of cenotes and in mangrove-fed systems like Casa Cenote; assessed Least Concern by the IUCN in 2018, though local populations face habitat loss and pollution pressure.
- Max size
- Up to about 40cm
- Habitat
- Cenotes, lagoons, mangroves and coastal rivers of the Yucatan; tolerates fresh and brackish water
Best places to dive with Mayan Cichlid
rareoccasionalcommonly seenpeak season
Cenotes (Riviera Maya)
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Resident year-round in the open and shallow sections. No documented seasonal peak. Not found in the dark cave passages.
Sources & last checked
Checked July 2026
This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.
- Mayaheros urophthalmus — Wikipedia
- Unique Species to Look for in Yucatan Cenotes — Yucatan Today