Bussing's cichlid
Cribroheros bussingi
Also known as Amphilophus bussingi
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–84°F (24–29°C)
- pH
- 7.0–8.2
- Adult size
- 7.1 in (18 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 79 gal (300 L)
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- Tankmates with caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Origin
- Caribbean slope, Costa Rica
- Family
- Cichlidae
Overview
A steady, sand-sifting Central American that suits a mixed regional community better than most cichlids its size. It stays civil until it pairs off and takes a nest, at which point it defends a firm radius and everything else needs somewhere to go. Give it sand it can sift, cover to break sight lines, and a 300 liter footprint. Feed sinking pellets and frozen foods.
In the wild
Cribroheros bussingi works sandy runs and pools in the Caribbean-slope rivers of Costa Rica, in warm, moderately hard water. Keep it at 24 to 29 degrees Celsius and pH 7.0 to 8.2, over sand fine enough to take into its mouth.
Good to know
Cribroheros bussingi reaches about 18 centimeters and honors William Bussing, whose work on the freshwater fishes of Costa Rica remains the reference for the region. The genus name refers to the sieve-like pores on the head, part of the sensory system it uses to find prey in sand.
Did you know
Bussing catalogued an entire country's fishes; this sand-sifter is his bookmark in the river.
Common questions
What size tank does a Bussing's cichlid need?
A Bussing's cichlid needs at least 79 gal (300 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH do Bussing's cichlid need?
Bussing's cichlid are comfortable at 75–84°F (24–29°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.2.
How big do Bussing's cichlid get?
An adult Bussing's cichlid reaches about 7.1 in (18 cm).
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Imperial Tropicals Freshwater fish and inverts bred at a Florida hatchery
- The Wet Spot Tropical Fish Large selection of quarantined tropical freshwater fish, with live arrival guarantee and Next Day Air flat rate shipping to all US locations
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Bussing's cichlid?
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