Longfin sifter cichlid
Cribroheros longimanus
Also known as Amphilophus longimanus, Red breast cichlid
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
- Tankmates with caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Origin
- Nicaragua to Costa Rica, both slopes
- Family
- Cichlidae
Overview
The most approachable member of its genus and a good choice for a first Central American sifting cichlid. It works sand for invertebrates, stays reasonable with tankmates outside breeding, and colors up with a rose flush across the chest as it matures. Give it a 300 liter tank with a sand floor and some cover. Feed sinking pellets and frozen foods.
In the wild
Cribroheros longimanus lives over sand in lakes and rivers on both slopes from Nicaragua south into Costa Rica, in warm, moderately hard water. Keep it at 24 to 29 degrees Celsius and pH 7.0 to 8.2, over fine sand with wood or stone for cover.
Good to know
Cribroheros longimanus reaches about 16 centimeters. The epithet means long-handed, for the drawn-out pectoral fins carried over a rosy chest. It is a substrate spawner with biparental care, and pairs form readily, which is part of why it is one of the more commonly bred species in the genus.
Did you know
Its long pectorals hover it over the sand like a harrier while the mouth does the digging.
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 do Longfin sifter cichlid need?
Longfin sifter cichlid are comfortable at 75–84°F (24–29°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.2.
How big do Longfin sifter cichlid get?
An adult Longfin sifter cichlid reaches about 6.3 in (16 cm).
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Imperial Tropicals Freshwater fish and inverts bred at a Florida hatchery
- The Wet Spot Tropical Fish Large selection of quarantined tropical freshwater fish, with live arrival guarantee and Next Day Air flat rate shipping to all US locations
…or ask your local fish store.
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Related species
Altifrons cichlid
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Rostratus sifter cichlid
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Robertson's cichlid
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Nguti cichlid
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