TankBud

Chanchito

Australoheros facetus

Also known as Chameleon cichlid, Chanchita, Cichlasoma facetum

FreshwaterFish

Chanchito (Australoheros facetus)
CHUCAO · CC BY-SA 3.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
59–79°F
15–26°C
pH
6.0–8.0
Adult size
8.7 in
22 cm
Minimum tank
53 gal
200 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
Easy
Rarity
Common
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Subtropical Rio de la Plata basin and Atlantic coastal drainages of Uruguay, southern Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina.

Overview

A pair needs a tank of at least 200 liters at 15 to 26 C and pH 6.0 to 8.0, and it can be kept unheated in a temperate room. Provide rockwork and hardy plants it cannot easily uproot. Feed pellets, frozen foods, and vegetable matter. It is aggressive when breeding, so watch tankmates closely.

In the wild

The chanchito comes from the subtropical Rio de la Plata basin and Atlantic coastal drainages of Uruguay, southern Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. It lives in cooler water than most cichlids and handles seasonal temperature swings. It is a hardy, pugnacious fish that digs and rearranges plants. A tank with sturdy decor and rooted or potted plants works best.

Good to know

Australoheros facetus was described by Jenyns in 1842 and reaches around 20 to 25 cm. It shifts color with its mood, which earns it the name chameleon cichlid. It has been in the hobby since the late 1800s, one of the first cichlids imported to Europe.

Did you know

It is cold tolerant enough to survive temperate winters and has established itself as an invasive fish in rivers of Portugal and Spain.

Common questions

What size tank does a Chanchito need?

A Chanchito needs at least 53 gal (200 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Chanchito need?

A Chanchito is comfortable at 59–79°F (15–26°C) with a pH of 6.0–8.0.

How big does a Chanchito get?

An adult Chanchito reaches about 8.7 in (22 cm).

Related species