TankBud

Cuban cichlid

Nandopsis tetracanthus

Also known as Biajaca, Star cichlid, Cichlasoma tetracanthus

FreshwaterFish

Cuban cichlid (Nandopsis tetracanthus)
Imperial Tropicals · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C
pH
7.0–8.0
Adult size
9.8 in
25 cm
Minimum tank
75 gal
285 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Common
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Endemic to Cuba, in fast-flowing rivers and lakes among plants, and entering brackish river mouths.

Overview

The Cuban cichlid is an aggressive cichlid that swims through the middle of a large, rocky tank. It is a step up from the easiest fish.

Did you know

The Cuban cichlid is one of very few cichlids native to the Caribbean islands, and it tolerates a touch of salt in the water.

Caring for the Cuban cichlid

Keep a single adult Cuban cichlid or a pair in at least 75 gal (285 L). Provide rockwork, wood and sturdy decor for territory, along with open swimming space.

Keep the water at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C), with a pH of 7.0 to 8.0. It is a hardy predator. Feed meaty foods, quality pellets and frozen foods.

It is aggressive and territorial, especially when spawning, so choose tank mates with care. Breeding it is of medium difficulty.

Good to know

The Cuban cichlid, Nandopsis tetracanthus, was described by Valenciennes in 1831. It shows a pearl-silver body broken by bold black blotches, a pattern that intensifies with its mood. The genus Nandopsis is now restricted to a small group of island cichlids from Cuba and nearby.

In the wild

The Cuban cichlid is native to Cuba, where it lives in fast-flowing rivers and lakes among plants. It also enters brackish river mouths.

From published sources

Tank mates

Each fish here is named as a tank mate for the Cuban cichlid by at least two published care guides. Practical Fishkeeping recommends keeping it on its own instead. Mixed tanks start around 90 to 100 gallons (340 to 380 liters), with places for weaker fish to shelter.

Sources: Practical Fishkeeping, Aqua Imports, Imperial Tropicals.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a Cuban cichlid need?

A Cuban cichlid needs at least 75 gal (285 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Cuban cichlid need?

A Cuban cichlid is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.0.

What does a Cuban cichlid eat?

A Cuban cichlid is a hardy predator and eats meaty foods, quality pellets and frozen foods.

How big does a Cuban cichlid get?

An adult Cuban cichlid reaches about 9.8 in (25 cm).

What fish can live with the Cuban cichlid?

Published care guides name Jack Dempsey, redhead cichlid, blackbelt cichlid and silver dollar. Mixed tanks start around 90 to 100 gallons (340 to 380 liters), with places for weaker fish to shelter.

Related species