Amarillo Cichlid (Amphilophus amarillo) Care Guide
Amphilophus amarillo is a yellow, snail-eating cichlid endemic to crater Lake Xiloá in Nicaragua, part of the Midas cichlid species complex.
Overview
Amphilophus amarillo was described by Stauffer and McKaye and belongs to the Midas cichlid species complex of Nicaraguan crater lakes. Its name reflects its yellow body, marked by dark transverse bars; outside the breeding season the yellow fades and the bars become less distinct. Males can develop a fatty forehead bump.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Amphilophus
- Scientific name: Amphilophus amarillo
- Describers: Stauffer & McKaye
- Member of the Midas cichlid species complex
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Xiloá in Nicaragua. In the wild it occurs seasonally in loose groups within this single crater-lake system.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
In nature it is primarily a snail eater. In the aquarium it accepts a wide range of foods, including frozen and live items such as mosquito larvae, krill, mysis and brine shrimp, alongside flake food and spirulina-based preparations.
Compatibility
Outside breeding it is relatively peaceful toward other fish in an adequately sized tank, but becomes very aggressive and strongly territorial when spawning. Keeping it as a pair in a spacious aquarium is recommended.
Breeding
It is a substrate spawner that deposits eggs in a depression or among rocks. Eggs hatch in about three days and the fry are free-swimming after roughly one week; both parents tend the brood and return strays to the nest.