Lowland cichlid - Herichthys carpintis

Scientific name: Herichthys carpintis

Common name: Lowland cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 16 - 19 cm (6.3 - 7.48 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 19°N (142.86 - 339.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 78.8°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Central America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

The Lowland Cichlid will accept all foods. Use a quality flake or cichlid pellets for the staple diet but vary this with treats of blood worms, tubifex and chopped earth worms.

Origin

Central America; Lowland cichlids are found in the waterways of Mexico.

Sexing

Males will grow larger than the females and may develop a nuchal hump when they reach maturity. Females may also display a dark blotch on their dorsal fin.

Breeding

Add flat rocks to the tank to provide spawning sites fore these fish. They are prolific breeders and should spawn straight after pairing up. The eggs should hatch after 4 days and a few days later the fry will be free swimming. These can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flake.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Herichthys carpintis is 5-8 years.

Short description

Herichthys carpintis is one of the peaceful species of large cichlids and they are very active swimmers. Keep them in a large tank, at least 50 gallons, to provide them with plenty of room. They require regular water changes with excellent filtration.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.