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Longfin sifter cichlid

Cribroheros longimanus

Also known as Amphilophus longimanus, Red breast cichlid

FreshwaterFish

Longfin sifter cichlid (Cribroheros longimanus)

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–84°F
24–29°C
pH
7.0–8.2
Adult size
6.3 in
16 cm
Minimum tank
79 gal
300 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Substrate spawner · Medium
Rarity
Common
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Nicaragua to Costa Rica, both slopes

Overview

The longfin sifter cichlid is the most approachable member of its genus, and a good first Central American sifting cichlid. Its needs are moderate.

Did you know

The longfin sifter cichlid's long pectoral fins hover it over the sand, like a harrier, while its mouth does the digging.

Caring for the longfin sifter cichlid

Give a longfin sifter cichlid at least 79 gal (300 L), with fine sand and some wood or stone for cover. Keep the water warm and moderately hard, at 75 to 84°F (24 to 29°C) and a pH of 7.0 to 8.2.

It works the sand for invertebrates. Feed sinking pellets and frozen foods.

Longfin sifter cichlids are mostly peaceful and stay reasonable with tank mates outside breeding. Choose those tank mates with caution.

They are substrate spawners with biparental care. Pairs form readily, which is part of why this is one of the more commonly bred species in its genus. Breeding them is of medium difficulty.

Good to know

The longfin sifter cichlid's species name, longimanus, means long-handed. It refers to the drawn-out pectoral fins carried over its chest, which takes on a rose flush as the fish matures.

In the wild

Cribroheros longimanus lives over sand in lakes and rivers on both slopes, from Nicaragua south into Costa Rica.

Common questions

What size tank does a longfin sifter cichlid need?

A longfin sifter cichlid needs at least 79 gal (300 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a longfin sifter cichlid need?

A longfin sifter cichlid is comfortable at 75–84°F (24–29°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.2.

What does a longfin sifter cichlid eat?

A longfin sifter cichlid works the sand for invertebrates. In the tank, give it sinking pellets and frozen foods.

How big does a longfin sifter cichlid get?

An adult longfin sifter cichlid reaches about 6.3 in (16 cm).

How does a longfin sifter cichlid breed?

A longfin sifter cichlid is a substrate spawner, and both parents care for the young. Pairs form readily, which helps make it one of the more commonly bred species in its genus. Breeding it is of medium difficulty.

Related species