Spiny cichlid
Rocio spinosissima
Also known as Spinosissima cichlid, Guatemala blue-cheek
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–84°F
- 24–29°C
- pH
- 7.0–8.2
- Adult size
- 5.1 in
- 13 cm
- Minimum tank
- 53 gal
- 200 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Lake Izabal basin, Guatemala
Overview
This is a compact Central American cichlid, a milder relative of the jack dempsey without the same wrecking-ball reputation, kept as a single fish or a bonded pair rather than a group. It works the lower water around cover, holding a modest territory. It is mostly peaceful for a cichlid but will defend a spawn, so give some thought to tankmates: sturdy, medium community fish given space away from the pair at breeding time. Feed an omnivore diet of pellets, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and a little plant matter. A pair needs a tank of at least 200 liters with sand, rock and driftwood to mark out territory.
In the wild
Rocio spinosissima lives in the Lake Izabal basin of Guatemala, keeping to weedy, vegetated margins over sand and among roots and stones. Recreate that with a sandy floor, driftwood, rockwork and some hardy plants for cover. Keep the water neutral to hard and warm, around 24 to 29 C at a pH from 7.0 to 8.2, with steady filtration.
Good to know
A member of the family Cichlidae, this fish reaches about 13 centimeters and shares its genus, Rocio, with the jack dempsey. Its species name, spinosissima, means spiniest, for its notably high fin-spine count. As a substrate spawner it lays eggs on a firm surface, and both parents defend the eggs and fry, so breeding is moderate rather than difficult.
Did you know
The genus name Rocio means morning dew in Spanish; it honors the describing scientist's wife and, at the same time, the dewy sparkle of the pale blue-green spots scattered across the cheeks and flanks.
Common questions
What size tank does a Spiny cichlid need?
A Spiny cichlid needs at least 53 gal (200 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Spiny cichlid need?
A Spiny cichlid is comfortable at 75–84°F (24–29°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.2.
How big does a Spiny cichlid get?
An adult Spiny cichlid reaches about 5.1 in (13 cm).
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