TankBud

Trimac cichlid

Amphilophus trimaculatus

Also known as Three-spot cichlid, Trimac, Cichlasoma trimaculatum

FreshwaterFish

Trimac cichlid (Amphilophus trimaculatus)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C
pH
7.0–8.0
Adult size
13.8 in
35 cm
Minimum tank
90 gal
340 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Easy
Rarity
Common
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Pacific-slope rivers from Mexico to El Salvador, in slow lower valleys over mud and sand among roots and weeds.

Overview

The trimac cichlid is a large, aggressive cichlid for a big, sturdy tank. It takes some experience to keep.

Did you know

The trimac cichlid is part of the breeding history of the man-made flowerhorn. The flowerhorn borrows its bright color and nuchal hump from trimac stock.

Caring for the trimac cichlid

A single adult trimac cichlid needs a tank of at least 90 gal (340 L). It is a big, digging cichlid that reshapes its surroundings, so expect heavy digging in the substrate. Provide rockwork in a sturdy layout it cannot easily topple.

Keep the water at 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C) and a pH of 7.0 to 8.0. Feed a varied diet of quality pellets and frozen foods, with some vegetable matter to balance it out.

The trimac cichlid is aggressive and best kept alone or with a bonded mate. Choose any tank mates with caution. Males grow larger than females, and breeding is easy.

Good to know

The trimac cichlid, Amphilophus trimaculatus, was described by Gunther in 1867 and is often still traded as Cichlasoma trimaculatum. It is named for the three dark blotches along its flank. Breeding adults flush gold and orange, with red speckling around the head.

In the wild

The trimac cichlid lives in Pacific-slope rivers from Mexico to El Salvador. It favors slow lower valleys with mud and sand bottoms among roots and weeds.

From published sources

Tank mates

Each fish here is named as a tank mate for the trimac cichlid by at least two published care guides. Fishipedia recommends keeping it on its own instead. These pairings need a very large tank, 180 gallons (680 liters) or more, with a territory for each cichlid.

Sources: Imperial Tropicals, Seriously Fish, FishProfiles.com.

Check the full mix in the stocking calculator

Common questions

What size tank does a trimac cichlid need?

A trimac cichlid needs at least 90 gal (340 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a trimac cichlid need?

A trimac cichlid is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.0.

What does a trimac cichlid eat?

A trimac cichlid eats a varied diet of quality pellets and frozen foods. Add some vegetable matter to balance it out.

How big does a trimac cichlid get?

An adult trimac cichlid reaches about 13.8 in (35 cm).

How can you tell a male trimac cichlid from a female?

Males grow larger than females.

What fish can live with the trimac cichlid?

Published care guides name Jack Dempsey, pearlscale cichlid and Cuban cichlid. These pairings need a very large tank, 180 gallons (680 liters) or more, with a territory for each cichlid.

Related species