Cuban cichlid

Care at a glance

Overview

A single adult or pair needs a tank of at least 285 liters at 24 to 28 C and pH 7.0 to 8.0. Provide rockwork and sturdy decor for territory. Feed meaty foods, quality pellets, and frozen foods. It is aggressive and territorial, especially when spawning, so choose tankmates with care.

In the wild

The Cuban cichlid is native to Cuba, one of the few cichlids from the Greater Antilles. It lives in fast-flowing rivers and lakes among plants and enters brackish river mouths. It is a hardy, territorial predator. A tank with rockwork, wood, and open swimming space suits it.

Good to know

Nandopsis tetracanthus was described by Valenciennes in 1831 and reaches about 25 cm. 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.

Did you know

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

Related species

• 

  Fusco Hap

  Nimbochromis fuscotaeniatus

  9.8 in (25 cm)74 gal (280 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Jack Dempsey

  Rocio octofasciata

  9.8 in (25 cm)55 gal (208 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)
• Malawi barracuda

  Rhamphochromis cf. macrophthalmus

  9.8 in (25 cm)79 gal (300 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)

• 

  Chanchito

  Australoheros facetus

  8.7 in (22 cm)53 gal (200 L)59–79°F (15–26°C)

• 

  Basketmouth cichlid

  Caquetaia kraussii

  11.8 in (30 cm)79 gal (300 L)79–86°F (26–30°C)

• 

  Gold Saum

  Andinoacara rivulatus

  11.8 in (30 cm)75 gal (285 L)68–75°F (20–24°C)