Robertson's cichlid
Cribroheros robertsoni
Also known as Amphilophus robertsoni, Turquoise sifter cichlid, Emerald cichlid, Blue sifter cichlid
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–84°F (24–29°C)
- pH
- 7.0–8.2
- Adult size
- 9.1 in (23 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 106 gal (400 L)
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- Tankmates with caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Origin
- Atlantic slope, Mexico to Honduras
- Family
- Cichlidae
Overview
This is the showpiece sand-sifter of Central America, kept as a single fish or a bonded pair and best treated like a mild, large eartheater with room to work. It is fairly peaceful for its size but claims a bottom territory at breeding time, so give sturdy, calm tankmates and enough space that it can plow the sand without constant conflict. It feeds by taking mouthfuls of sand and sifting them for food, so give it fine sand to sift and keep coarse gravel out of the tank. Feed sinking pellets and frozen foods, and let a good share reach the bottom, and given its size allow at least 400 liters with a deep, open sand floor.
In the wild
It ranges along the Atlantic slope of Central America from southern Mexico to Honduras, sifting sand in slow rivers and lakes. Recreate that with a large tank, a deep bed of soft sand, some wood and rock for structure, and open floor for sifting. Keep the water warm at about 24 to 29 C and neutral to hard, roughly pH 7 to 8.2, with strong filtration to handle the sand it keeps stirring.
Good to know
Cribroheros robertsoni is a cichlid of the family Cichlidae, reaching about 23 centimeters, among the largest of the sieve-feeding heroes and spangled with turquoise flecks. Sometimes called the false firemouth, it is a substrate spawner of moderate difficulty, the two parents guarding eggs and fry. Its genus name refers to the sieve-like way these fish strain food from the sand.
Did you know
It looks like it belongs in a different lake: spangled in turquoise like a Malawi peacock, it nonetheless earns its living Amazon-style, spending the day mouthing sand and sifting it for scraps.
Common questions
What size tank does a Robertson's cichlid need?
A Robertson's cichlid needs at least 106 gal (400 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH do Robertson's cichlid need?
Robertson's cichlid are comfortable at 75–84°F (24–29°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.2.
How big do Robertson's cichlid get?
An adult Robertson's cichlid reaches about 9.1 in (23 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.
Appears in
Keeping Robertson's cichlid?
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Related species
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