Amazon port cichlid
Cichlasoma amazonarum
Also known as Amazonarum cichlid, Amazon cichlid
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–82°F
- 24–28°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 6.3 in
- 16 cm
- Minimum tank
- 53 gal
- 200 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Substrate spawner · Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Amazon basin lowlands
Overview
The Amazon port cichlid is a straightforward pair cichlid and one of the easier medium South American cichlids to keep. It makes a good first larger cichlid for a keeper with a little experience.
Did you know
For decades the Amazon port cichlid's genus, Cichlasoma, held well over a hundred species. The revisions that broke the genus up moved almost all of them elsewhere.
Caring for the Amazon port cichlid
Give an Amazon port cichlid at least 53 gal (200 L), with wood, some cover and a sand floor. It swims mostly in the middle of the tank. Expect it to rearrange the layout.
It is undemanding about water chemistry and tolerates a wide range, forgiving more variation than most of its relatives. Keep it at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Feed pellets and frozen foods.
Amazon port cichlids are mostly peaceful and solitary rather than group fish, so keep one fish or a single pair. Choose their tank mates with caution.
A pair spawns in the open on a flat surface, and both parents guard the fry, which is most of the appeal. Breeding them is a moderate challenge.
Good to know
The Amazon port cichlid, Cichlasoma amazonarum, is a member of the cichlid family, Cichlidae. It belongs to the port cichlids, the small group that kept the name Cichlasoma. They now form the true core of the genus.
In the wild
The Amazon port cichlid lives in lakes, floodplain ditches and quiet river margins across the Amazon lowlands. The water there is warm and generally soft to neutral, but it varies a great deal by season.
Common questions
What size tank does an Amazon port cichlid need?
An Amazon port cichlid needs at least 53 gal (200 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does an Amazon port cichlid need?
An Amazon port cichlid is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does an Amazon port cichlid eat?
An Amazon port cichlid eats pellets and frozen foods.
How big does an Amazon port cichlid get?
An adult Amazon port cichlid reaches about 6.3 in (16 cm).
Related species
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