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chameleon cichlid

noun

plural chameleon cichlids
: a freshwater cichlid fish (Australohero facetus synonym Cichlasoma facetum) of South America that is typically yellow to pale brown with dark vertical stripes, may reach a length of seven inches (18 centimeters), and is sometimes kept in aquariums

called also chanchito

Word History

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chameleon cichlid was in 1969

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Cite this Entry

“Chameleon cichlid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chameleon%20cichlid. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

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