Chameleon cichlid - Australoheros facetus

Scientific name: Australoheros facetus

Common name: Chameleon cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 26 cm (7.87 - 10.24 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.4 - 7

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 13°N (71.43 - 232.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 25 - 29 °C (77 - 84.2°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: South America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and Feeding

The Chameleon Cichlid is not a picky eater and will accept a variety of foods offered in the aquarium. For optimal health and coloration, a varied diet is crucial. Provide a quality cichlid pellet or flake as the staple diet, supplemented with regular offerings of live or frozen foods. Suitable options include bloodworms, brine shrimp, and tubifex worms. Including a mix of both protein-rich foods and plant matter helps meet their nutritional needs and keeps them in peak condition. Feed them twice daily, offering only as much food as they can consume in a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Origin

Chameleon Cichlids (Australoheros facetus) are native to South America, with a distribution range extending from Southern Brazil to Argentina. They inhabit a variety of freshwater environments, including slow-moving rivers, streams, and ponds. These habitats often have dense vegetation and a soft substrate, which the cichlids use for burrowing and spawning. Their adaptability to different water conditions makes them relatively hardy and suitable for a well-maintained aquarium.

Sexing

Sexing Chameleon Cichlids can be achieved by observing size and fin characteristics. Males are typically larger than females and exhibit more extended and pointed dorsal and anal fins. Additionally, males may develop more intense coloration, especially during breeding periods, while females remain slightly smaller and have more rounded fins. Observing these differences becomes more apparent once the fish reach maturity.

Breeding

Breeding Chameleon Cichlids is relatively straightforward, making them an excellent choice for aquarists interested in breeding cichlids. To encourage spawning, provide flat rocks or slate in the tank as potential spawning sites. High water quality and stable conditions will further support breeding success. During the breeding process, the pair will clean the selected spawning site before the female deposits her eggs. Both parents exhibit strong parental care, guarding the eggs and fanning them to ensure proper oxygenation.

Once the eggs hatch, the parents will move the fry to various breeding pits dug into the substrate, providing them with protection. The fry become free-swimming after a few days and can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food. The parental care displayed by Chameleon Cichlids makes observing their breeding behavior a fascinating experience for aquarists.

Lifespan

The Chameleon Cichlid has an expected lifespan of around 8 years when kept in a well-maintained aquarium with appropriate care. Regular water changes, a balanced diet, and a stress-free environment will help them live out their full life expectancy. Providing proper care not only enhances their longevity but also ensures they maintain vibrant coloration and robust health throughout their lives.

Tank Setup and Environment

Chameleon Cichlids are best kept in pairs or small groups in a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding places. A tank size of at least 100 liters (26 gallons) is recommended for a pair, with additional space required for larger groups. These cichlids are natural burrowers, so adding bogwood, rocks, and caves will provide them with the necessary shelter and mimic their natural habitat. However, avoid using live plants in the setup, as they will often uproot them during their constant digging activities. Instead, use hardy plants like Java Fern or Anubias that can be attached to rocks or driftwood to keep them safe from the cichlids' burrowing behavior.

Maintaining a soft substrate like sand or fine gravel is important as Chameleon Cichlids are active diggers. Since they originate from diverse environments, they can adapt to a range of water conditions. However, they thrive best in slightly acidic to neutral water with a temperature range of 25-29°C (77-84.2°F). Regular water changes and efficient filtration are essential to keep the water quality high, particularly during the breeding season when they become more territorial.

Compatibility and Tankmates

Australoheros facetus can exhibit territorial behavior, especially during breeding. Therefore, they are best kept with other robust, similarly sized fish that can hold their own. Suitable tank mates include other South American cichlids such as Convict Cichlids or Firemouth Cichlids. Avoid housing them with small, delicate, or overly aggressive fish, as they may either be bullied or become aggressive towards others. Non-aggressive bottom dwellers like Bristlenose Plecos can coexist with Chameleon Cichlids as they occupy different tank zones.

Short Description

The Chameleon Cichlid (Australoheros facetus) is a hardy and adaptable cichlid species known for its burrowing behavior and interesting breeding habits. Best kept in pairs, these cichlids thrive in tanks with ample hiding spots made from bogwood and rocks. While they are not overly aggressive, they can be territorial, especially during breeding. Their habit of constant burrowing makes them unsuitable for tanks with live plants, as they will likely uproot them. With proper care, they can make a fascinating and rewarding addition to a cichlid aquarium.

Pictures

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