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

A single adult needs a tank of at least 340 liters at 24 to 28 C and pH 7.0 to 8.0. Provide rockwork and expect heavy digging in the substrate. Feed a varied diet of quality pellets and frozen foods, with some vegetable matter to balance it out. This is an aggressive fish best kept alone or with a bonded mate.

In the wild

The trimac lives in Pacific-slope rivers from Mexico to El Salvador. It favors slow lower valleys with mud and sand bottoms among roots and weeds. This is a big, digging cichlid that reshapes its surroundings. Give it a sturdy layout it cannot easily topple.

Good to know

Amphilophus trimaculatus was described by Gunther in 1867 and is often still traded as Cichlasoma trimaculatum. It is named for three dark blotches along the flank, and breeding adults flush gold and orange with red speckling around the head. Males reach about 35 cm, larger than females.

Did you know

Trimac stock was used in the breeding history of the man-made flowerhorn, which borrows its bright color and nuchal hump.

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.

How big does a Trimac cichlid get?

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

Related species