Pantano cichlid
Cincelichthys pearsei
Also known as Pearse's cichlid, Vieja pearsei, Herichthys pearsei
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 77–86°F
- 25–30°C
- pH
- 7.5–8.5
- Adult size
- 11.8 in
- 30 cm
- Minimum tank
- 119 gal
- 450 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Atlantic slope of southeastern Mexico and northern Guatemala, in slow fresh and occasionally brackish marshes lined with plants.
Overview
A single adult needs a tank of at least 450 liters at 25 to 30 C and pH 7.5 to 8.5, and it handles a little salt. Provide rockwork and open space. Feed a diet high in vegetable matter along with pellets and some frozen foods. It is territorial but less pugnacious than the predatory Central Americans.
In the wild
The pantano cichlid lives on the Atlantic slope of southeastern Mexico and northern Guatemala. It occupies slow fresh and occasionally brackish marshes lined with plants. This is a large, deep-bodied, mostly herbivorous cichlid. Provide open swimming space, rockwork, and a large tank.
Good to know
Cincelichthys pearsei was described by Hubbs in 1936 and reaches about 30 cm. It is largely herbivorous, grazing aquatic and overhanging plants and algae. It has carried several names over the years, including Cichlasoma, Herichthys, and Vieja pearsei.
Did you know
It leans strongly herbivorous, so it does better on a plant-based diet than on the meaty foods many large cichlids are fed.
Common questions
What size tank does a Pantano cichlid need?
A Pantano cichlid needs at least 119 gal (450 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Pantano cichlid need?
A Pantano cichlid is comfortable at 77–86°F (25–30°C) with a pH of 7.5–8.5.
How big does a Pantano cichlid get?
An adult Pantano cichlid reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).
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