Many-pointed cichlid - Cichlasoma grammodes

Scientific name: Cichlasoma grammodes

Common name: Many-pointed cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 22 - 25 cm (8.66 - 9.84 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8.1

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 9 - 21°N (160.71 - 375ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 29 °C (75.2 - 84.2°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Central America

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Many-pointed cichlids are classed as carnivores and should be provided with meaty foods. Provide them with live or frozen foods in the form of blood worms and brine shrimp; they will also accept chopped earthworms and small amounts of beef heart.

Origin

Central America; Many-pointed cichlids are found in the waterways from Mexico to Guatemala.

Sexing

Males will display more red spots on their bodies and will grow larger than the females. The males will also develop a nuchal hump when mature.

Breeding

Many-pointed cichlids are substrate spawners so add flat rocks to the breeding tank. The pair will tend the fry but may become aggressive with each other so this should be watched and if necessary separate them to leave the female to raise the young. Once the fry are free swimming they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Cichlasoma grammodes is 10 years.

Short description

Many-pointed cichlids are very aggressive when mature so should be kept in a species tank or with other large cichlids that can look after themselves. They are often described as miniature wolf cichlids.

Picture

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