Yellow Convict Care Guide
Cryptoheros nanoluteus is a dwarf Panamanian cichlid, one of the smallest Central American cichlids, related to the convicts.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Cryptoheros nanoluteus (Allgayer, 1994) is a dwarf cichlid from Central America, currently also classified under the genus Amatitlania as Amatitlania nanolutea. According to FishBase it occurs on the Atlantic slope in the Guarumo River basin of Panama. It reaches a maximum standard length of about 6.4 cm and is described as one of the smallest Central American cichlids.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Cryptoheros (also placed in Amatitlania)
- Scientific name: Cryptoheros nanoluteus
- Common synonyms: Amatitlania nanolutea
- Described by Allgayer in 1994
Habitat
It is a benthopelagic freshwater species of tropical Panamanian rivers. The convict-cichlid relatives in the genus Amatitlania inhabit freshwater habitats in Central America from El Salvador and Guatemala to Panama.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 120 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
Cryptoheros nanoluteus is an omnivore. 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 dwarf cichlid that is less belligerent than the typical convict. It suits 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 in the aquarium, with both parents tending the eggs and fry. Breeding difficulty is regarded as low.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 1 August 2019 for Amatitlania nanolutea, per FishBase).
Cryptoheros nanoluteus Breeding Guide
Overview
Cryptoheros nanoluteus (also placed in Archocentrus) is a small convict relative endemic to the Rio Guarumo basin in Panama, reaching about 60-65 mm. It is a biparental substrate brooder, less aggressive than its congeners but territorial during breeding.
Sexing
Males are larger and develop extended dorsal and anal fins when mature. Females have a characteristic dark ocellus (eye spot) in the dorsal fin.
Conditioning
According to Seriously Fish, suitable parameters are a temperature of 23-26 C, pH 5.0-7.5 and hardness of 179-447 ppm. A varied diet and stable water support pairing and condition.
Breeding Setup
- Provide caves or cave-like structures; upright rocks may also be selected as spawning sites.
- Use sand substrate so the pair can prepare pits.
- A base area of about 90 x 30 cm suits a breeding pair.
- The species forms temporary pair bonds.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The pair prepares a spawning site in a cave or on an upright surface, and the species forms only temporary pair bonds. As many as 200 eggs may be deposited. Females guard the eggs while males patrol the territory; the species is less aggressive than related convicts but becomes territorial during breeding.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs hatch in 3 to 4 days, and the fry become free-swimming 4 to 7 days post-hatch after the yolk is absorbed. Parental care continues for several weeks, with the female guarding the eggs and fry and the male patrolling the territory. Once free-swimming, the fry accept Artemia nauplii and fry-grade dried foods, and also browse on naturally available algae and organic detritus in the tank.
Common Challenges
Although mild for a convict relative, breeding adults defend the brood and their territory, so provide cover and avoid crowding the pair with timid tankmates. Because the species naturally inhabits a single Panamanian river basin, maintaining stable, clean water that suits its preferences improves egg viability and fry survival.