Cutter's Cichlid Care Guide
Cryptoheros cutteri is a small Central American cichlid from Honduras and Guatemala, related to the convict but easier to keep.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Cryptoheros cutteri (Fowler, 1932) is a small cichlid from Central America. According to FishBase it occurs in Honduras and Guatemala. It reaches a maximum standard length of about 11.2 cm. Cryptoheros is a genus of small cichlids from Central America and southeastern Mexico, with C. cutteri found in Atlantic drainages from Honduras to Guatemala.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Cryptoheros
- Scientific name: Cryptoheros cutteri
- Common synonyms: Honduran Convict
- Described by Fowler in 1932
Habitat
It is a benthopelagic freshwater species of subtropical Central American rivers. FishBase notes adults display alternating dark body bars and wine-coloured underparts.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
Cryptoheros cutteri is an omnivore with a trophic level of about 3.2. In captivity it accepts a varied diet of quality dry foods supplemented with live and frozen items and some vegetable matter, offered around twice daily.
Compatibility
This is a semi-aggressive, mid-water cichlid that is less belligerent than the typical convict. It can be kept in Central American community tanks with comparable cichlids such as convicts and firemouths, along with robust bottom dwellers like bristlenose plecos. Small tetras and overtly aggressive cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
It is a cave-spawner and breeds readily. Both parents guard the eggs and fry, defending the brood diligently. Breeding difficulty is regarded as low.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 17 June 2019, per FishBase).
Cryptoheros cutteri Breeding Guide
Overview
Cryptoheros cutteri is a convict relative from Honduras and Guatemala. FishBase records a maximum of about 11 cm SL. It is a biparental cave/substrate brooder that breeds reliably, reaching sexual maturity at around 6 cm.
Sexing
Males grow larger (to about 12 cm; populations from Lago Yojoa reach 15 cm) and with age develop reddish coloration and a forehead bulge. Females stay smaller (around 9 cm), show more yellow and lack the red colour.
Conditioning
The natural spawning season runs December to May (the dry season). AquaInfo gives an optimal temperature range of 22-26 C, with pH typically above neutral and water from very soft to harder. Pristine water and frequent changes support condition.
Breeding Setup
- Provide a cave or sheltered spot, such as a flowerpot, for egg deposition.
- Use sand substrate for nursery pits.
- House one pair in at least a 100 cm tank; allow 140 cm or more for multiple pairs.
- Maintain good filtration and frequent water changes.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Up to about 200 eggs are laid in a cave or sheltered place; young pairs produce smaller spawns that grow as the fish mature. Both parents care for eggs and fry intensively, defending the brood against much larger tankmates. AquaInfo notes the species is comparable to the convict in ease of spawning but is not as aggressive.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs hatch after about 3 days, and the fry become free-swimming roughly 6 days later. The young stay tightly grouped near the female while the male maintains territory defence; parents stir the substrate with fins and belly so the fry can feed on suspended material.
Common Challenges
Pairs can be jumpy and easily startled, so minimise disturbance to avoid spawn loss. Breeding adults become territorial, so house them away from timid or much smaller fish.