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.