TankBud

T-bar cichlid

Amatitlania sajica

Also known as T-bar convict, Sajica cichlid, Cryptoheros sajica, Archocentrus sajica

FreshwaterFish

T-bar cichlid (Amatitlania sajica)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Adult size
4.7 in
12 cm
Minimum tank
40 gal
150 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Easy
Breeding
Easy
Rarity
Common
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Pacific slope of Costa Rica, in rivers and streams with moderate current over gravel and small rocks.

Overview

A pair does well in a 150 liter tank at 24 to 28 C and pH 6.5 to 7.5. Provide caves and sturdy decor for territory. Feed pellets, frozen foods, and some vegetable matter. It is a convict relative but much more peaceful, which makes it a good first Central American cichlid to breed.

In the wild

The T-bar cichlid comes from Pacific-slope rivers and streams of Costa Rica. It lives over gravel and small rocks in water with moderate current. It is a cave spawner that appreciates flat stones and hollows. A tank with rocks, wood, and a few caves suits it well.

Good to know

Amatitlania sajica was described by Bussing in 1974 and has also been filed under Cryptoheros and Archocentrus. It is named for the T-bar, a vertical black bar that crosses the midlateral stripe near the tail to form a T shape. Males reach about 12 cm, and females stay smaller and flush gold when spawning.

Did you know

Unlike its convict cousins it stays fairly calm outside of breeding, so it is easier to house in a mixed setup.

Common questions

What size tank does a T-bar cichlid need?

A T-bar cichlid needs at least 40 gal (150 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a T-bar cichlid need?

A T-bar cichlid is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.

How big does a T-bar cichlid get?

An adult T-bar cichlid reaches about 4.7 in (12 cm).

Related species