Tuba cichlid
Tomocichla tuba
Also known as Theraps tuba, Rainbow tomocichla
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–84°F (24–29°C)
- pH
- 7.0–8.2
- Adult size
- 11.8 in (30 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 119 gal (450 L)
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- Tankmates with caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Origin
- Caribbean slope, Nicaragua to Panama
- Family
- Cichlidae
Overview
The tuba cichlid is a large, current-loving Central American cichlid for a river-style tank. It is fairly peaceful for its size but territorial around breeding, so keep one fish or a single pair and pick robust tankmates that suit fast water. It stays low, grazing surfaces and picking at the bottom in strong flow, so provide boulders, high oxygen and a firm floor. Feed a mixed diet with plenty of vegetable matter alongside frozen and prepared foods. This is a big, active fish, so give it real volume and current, around 450 liters or more.
In the wild
This species lives in fast, well oxygenated rivers on the Caribbean slope from Nicaragua through Costa Rica to Panama, over rock and gravel swept by current. Recreate that with strong flow from oversized filters or a flow pump, rounded boulders, and a well oxygenated tank. Keep the water warm and neutral to slightly hard, around 24 to 29 C and pH 7.0 to 8.2.
Good to know
Tomocichla tuba, once placed in the genus Theraps, is a rheophilic cichlid that grows to around 30 centimeters. It is built for life in current, with a streamlined body and a taste for the algae and small animals that grow on rock in flowing water. It is a biparental substrate spawner, both parents guarding eggs laid on cleaned stone.
Did you know
Unlike most of its large Central American relatives, which favour still or slow water, this is a true river fish that needs strong, steady current and high oxygen to stay healthy, setting it apart from its still-water cousins.
Common questions
What size tank does a Tuba cichlid need?
A Tuba cichlid needs at least 119 gal (450 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH do Tuba cichlid need?
Tuba cichlid are comfortable at 75–84°F (24–29°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.2.
How big do Tuba cichlid get?
An adult Tuba cichlid reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
…or ask your local fish store.
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