Xiloa Cichlid (Amphilophus xiloaensis) Care Guide
Amphilophus xiloaensis is a colour-variable Midas-complex cichlid endemic to the crater Lake Xiloá in Nicaragua, where it feeds largely on snails.
Overview
Amphilophus xiloaensis was described by Stauffer and McKaye in 2002 as part of the Midas cichlid species complex. It is one of the most colour-variable members of the group, occurring in grey, white, yellow, orange and red forms as well as blotched intermediates, all of which appear naturally in the wild.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Amphilophus
- Scientific name: Amphilophus xiloaensis
- Describers: Stauffer & McKaye, 2002
- Member of the Midas cichlid species complex
Habitat
The species is endemic to Laguna Xiloá, a young crater lake in Nicaragua. According to FishBase it is a benthopelagic freshwater fish typically found at depths of about 2-8 m, occasionally deeper, concentrated on the steep basalt slopes of the crater.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
It is carnivorous, with millstone-like pharyngeal jaws used to crush snail shells. Additional teeth on the first gill arch act as a feeding sieve, allowing it to take finer food particles than some related species. In captivity it accepts a varied diet of meaty and prepared foods.
Compatibility
Outside the breeding season the species is not strongly territorial and schools in large groups in the wild. During breeding, pairs form and defend territories aggressively, so a spacious aquarium and robust tank mates are recommended.
Breeding
It is a substrate spawner with biparental care; peak breeding occurs around November and December. Nests can hold up to about 1,000 eggs, which hatch in roughly three days, with fry becoming free-swimming about a week later.