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Heterospila cichlid

Oscura heterospila

Also known as Montecristo cichlid, Monte Cristo cichlid

FreshwaterFish

Heterospila cichlid (Oscura heterospila)

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–84°F
24–29°C
pH
7.2–8.5
Adult size
11.4 in
29 cm
Minimum tank
119 gal
450 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Substrate spawner · Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Grijalva-Usumacinta lowlands, Mexico

Overview

The Heterospila cichlid is a large, dusky lowland cichlid that works the lower water of a big tank. It is undemanding about food but insistent on space, and a step up from the easiest fish.

Did you know

The Heterospila cichlid's genus name, Oscura, is the Spanish word for dark. That is an unusual choice among the mostly Greek and Latin names of cichlids, picked for the fish's shadowy coloring.

Caring for the Heterospila cichlid

Give the Heterospila cichlid a tank of at least 119 gal (450 L), with a sandy floor to dig in. Build caves and shelter among rock, large stones and driftwood. They give tank mates somewhere to retreat and let a pair define a home.

Keep the water warm, hard and a touch alkaline, at 75 to 84°F (24 to 29°C) and a pH of 7.2 to 8.5. Run strong filtration to match a big, messy fish. In the wild it is a generalist feeder, taking invertebrates, insects and plant matter. Offer a varied diet of sinking pellets, frozen foods and some vegetable content.

Keep it singly or as one settled pair. It is aggressive and holds a territory firmly, so keep it only with other large, robust fish. Avoid small fish it could treat as prey.

A pair lays its eggs on a solid surface and guards the brood together. Breeding it is moderately difficult.

Good to know

Oscura heterospila is the only species in its genus, within the family Cichlidae. Its species name refers to its scattered, irregular spotting. It also goes by the name Montecristo cichlid.

In the wild

The Heterospila cichlid lives in the slow lowland rivers and lagoons of the Grijalva and Usumacinta country in southern Mexico. The water there is warm and runs over soft bottoms, with wood and rock for cover.

Common questions

What size tank does a Heterospila cichlid need?

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

What temperature and pH does a Heterospila cichlid need?

A Heterospila cichlid is comfortable at 75–84°F (24–29°C) with a pH of 7.2–8.5.

What does a Heterospila cichlid eat?

A Heterospila cichlid eats a varied diet of sinking pellets, frozen foods and some vegetable matter. In the wild it is a generalist, taking invertebrates, insects and plant matter.

How big does a Heterospila cichlid get?

An adult Heterospila cichlid reaches about 11.4 in (29 cm).

How does a Heterospila cichlid breed?

A Heterospila cichlid pair lays its eggs on a solid surface, and both fish guard the brood. Breeding is of moderate difficulty.

Related species