TankBud

Chisel-tooth cichlid

Cincelichthys bocourti

Also known as Chiseltooth cichlid, Theraps bocourti, Herichthys bocourti, Cichlasoma bocourti, Chisel Mouth Cichlid

FreshwaterFish

Chisel-tooth cichlid (Cincelichthys bocourti)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
77–82°F
25–28°C
pH
7.0–8.0
Adult size
11.8 in
30 cm
Minimum tank
119 gal
450 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Hard
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Atlantic drainages of Guatemala and Belize, including Lake Izabal, in flowing rivers with rock and wood.

Overview

The chisel-tooth cichlid is a large, aggressive cichlid for a big tank with sturdy rockwork. It is best for a keeper who has kept fish before.

Did you know

Although the chisel-tooth cichlid was named back in 1902, it did not reach the aquarium trade until the mid-1990s.

Caring for the chisel-tooth cichlid

A single adult chisel-tooth cichlid needs at least 119 gal (450 L). Provide rockwork, open swimming space and sturdy decor. Keep the water at 77 to 82°F (25 to 28°C) with a pH of 7.0 to 8.0.

In the wild it grazes algae and aufwuchs, and it also takes invertebrates. Feed a varied diet with plenty of vegetable matter, alongside pellets and frozen foods.

The chisel-tooth cichlid is aggressive, so expect strong territorial behavior and choose tank mates with caution. It is slow to mature, so pairing it takes patience. Breeding it is hard.

Good to know

The chisel-tooth cichlid takes its name from the chisel-like teeth it uses to scrape algae. Vaillant and Pellegrin described the species, and recent work places it in the genus Cincelichthys. It is also listed as Theraps bocourti.

In the wild

The chisel-tooth cichlid lives in Atlantic drainages of Guatemala and Belize, including Lake Izabal. It occupies flowing rivers with rock and wood.

Common questions

What size tank does a chisel-tooth cichlid need?

A chisel-tooth cichlid needs at least 119 gal (450 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a chisel-tooth cichlid need?

A chisel-tooth cichlid is comfortable at 77–82°F (25–28°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.0.

What does a chisel-tooth cichlid eat?

A chisel-tooth cichlid eats a varied diet with plenty of vegetable matter, alongside pellets and frozen foods. In the wild it grazes algae and aufwuchs and also takes invertebrates.

How big does a chisel-tooth cichlid get?

An adult chisel-tooth cichlid reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).

Related species