Spinster cichlid

Rocio spinosissima

Also known as Spinosissima cichlid, Guatemala blue-cheek, Spiny cichlid

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 75–84°F (24–29°C)
pH: 7.0–8.2
Adult size: 5.1 in (13 cm)
Minimum tank: 53 gal (200 L)
Temperament: Mostly peaceful
Social behavior: Solitary
Tankmates: Tankmates with caution
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Lake Izabal basin, Guatemala
Family: Cichlidae

Overview

This is a compact Central American cichlid, a milder relative of the jack dempsey without the same wrecking-ball reputation, kept as a single fish or a bonded pair rather than a group. It works the lower water around cover, holding a modest territory. It is mostly peaceful for a cichlid but will defend a spawn, so give some thought to tankmates: sturdy, medium community fish given space away from the pair at breeding time. Feed an omnivore diet of pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and a little plant matter. A pair needs a tank of at least 200 liters with sand, rock and driftwood to mark out territory.

In the wild

Rocio spinosissima lives in the Lake Izabal basin of Guatemala, keeping to weedy, vegetated margins over sand and among roots and stones. Recreate that with a sandy floor, driftwood, rockwork and some hardy plants for cover. Keep the water neutral to hard and warm, around 24 to 29 C at a pH from 7.0 to 8.2, with steady filtration.

Good to know

A member of the family Cichlidae, this fish reaches about 13 centimeters and shares its genus, Rocio, with the jack dempsey. Its species name, spinosissima, means spiniest, for its notably high fin-spine count. As a substrate spawner it lays eggs on a firm surface, and both parents defend the eggs and fry, so breeding is moderate rather than difficult.

Did you know

The genus name Rocio means morning dew in Spanish; it honors the describing scientist's wife and, at the same time, the dewy sparkle of the pale blue-green spots scattered across the cheeks and flanks.