CICHLIDS
CENTRAL AMERICAN CICHLIDS
Central American cichlids are well known for their aggressive behavior and stunning colors. Most of these cichlids are large, requiring spacious tanks. The majority of Central American cichlids belong to a group known as Cichlasomines. These fish inhabit a variety of waterways throughout Central America, including lakes, streams, rivers, and even underground water sources.
SIZE: Many species within the Cichlasomine group grow to 8" (20 cm) or more, with only a few males remaining under 6" (15 cm).
TANK: Cichlasomines require a large, well-structured tank with ample open swimming space. A 48" (122 cm) tank with a capacity of at least 55 gallons (209 L) is typically recommended. Due to their aggressive nature, it is essential to provide plenty of hiding places for fish that may be harassed or recovering from injuries. Overturned flowerpots, large pieces of wood, and rocky caves make suitable retreats. Unfortunately, many Cichlasomines have a tendency to destroy plants-either by eating them, uprooting them, or simply demolishing them.
WATER: Cichlasomines typically thrive in water with a pH ranging from neutral (7.0) to alkaline (8.5). They prefer medium-hard to hard water, with a dH of 8-20, and a temperature range of 72-81°F (22-27°C).
SB: Cichlasomines are notorious for their territorial and aggressive behavior. Fights between mates, males, and even different species are common, often leaving the tank looking like a battlefield. Injuries are frequent in these encounters. The best way to minimize aggression is to provide a large, open tank with well-defined territories for each fish. Overcrowding should be avoided, as close quarters will lead to heightened aggression. When selecting tank mates, ensure that all fish are of similar size and strength to prevent one species from being at a disadvantage.
During spawning, aggression reaches its peak, with parents fiercely defending their brood. Other fish in the tank may be at risk during this time, so it is often best to remove them once a pair begins preparing to spawn.
SC: Cichlasomines can be housed together, as well as with large, robust catfish such as Pimelodids, Loricarids, and Doradids. If maintaining a geographically mixed aquarium, South American cichlids and African Haplochromines, Tilapia, and Hemichromis can also be suitable companions. Large South American characins may also be compatible.
FOOD: Cichlasomines are not picky eaters and will readily consume almost any food offered. They enjoy an occasional feeder fish, along with frequent helpings of earthworms, Tubifex, insects, insect larvae, and large crustaceans. They also accept large flake foods, pellets, tablets, and vegetables such as spinach, peas, and lettuce.
B: Breeding Cichlasomines requires finding a compatible pair. This is best achieved by acquiring a group of 6-10 juvenile fish and allowing them to pair off naturally. Once a pair is established, they can be used for breeding. Most Cichlasomines are open spawners, laying large numbers of eggs on a rock, root, or plant. The female typically guards the eggs while the male aggressively defends the territory.
After hatching, the fry remain under the parents' protection even after becoming free-swimming. They can be fed Brine shrimp (Artemia) nauplii, dry foods, and other small live foods.
BP: Breeding is usually not difficult, although the parents' aggressive brood care can pose challenges in a community tank.
R: The Cichlasomine group is currently undergoing taxonomic revision, as the genus Cichlasoma has been taxonomically orphaned. Until further clarification is made, fish previously classified under Cichlasoma will be referred to with quotation marks: "Cichlasoma." Parentheses will be used to indicate the sub-groupings proposed by Miller. This section will be organized according to these sub-groupings.
DC: Cichlasomines are generally hardy but highly aggressive fish. They can be kept together in large tanks, provided that appropriate territories and hiding places are established.