Chisel-tooth cichlid
Cincelichthys bocourti
Also known as Chiseltooth cichlid, Theraps bocourti, Herichthys bocourti, Cichlasoma bocourti, Chisel Mouth Cichlid
FreshwaterFish
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
- 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
A single adult needs a tank of at least 450 liters at 25 to 28 C and pH 7.0 to 8.0. Provide rockwork and expect strong territorial behavior. Feed a varied diet with plenty of vegetable matter alongside pellets and frozen foods. It is aggressive and slow to mature, so pairing it takes patience.
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. This is a large cichlid that grazes on algae and aufwuchs. Provide rockwork, open swimming space, and sturdy decor.
Good to know
This species was described by Vaillant and Pellegrin in 1902 and reaches about 30 cm. It is named for the chisel-like teeth it uses to scrape algae, though it also takes invertebrates. Recent work places it in the genus Cincelichthys, and it is also listed as Theraps bocourti.
Did you know
Although it was named back in 1902, it did not reach the aquarium trade until the mid-1990s.
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.
How big does a Chisel-tooth cichlid get?
An adult Chisel-tooth cichlid reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).
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