Blue-Eyed Cichlid Care Guide
Cryptoheros spilurus is a Central American cichlid of the Atlantic slope from Belize to Nicaragua, related to the convict cichlid but smaller and less aggressive.
Overview
Cryptoheros spilurus is a Central American cichlid of the family Cichlidae, described by Günther in 1862. According to FishBase it occurs on the Atlantic slope from Belize to Nicaragua. It is a relative of the convict cichlid; the body shows dark vertical barring, and the common name refers to its iridescent eye. Males grow noticeably larger than females.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Cryptoheros
- Scientific name: Cryptoheros spilurus
- Author: Günther, 1862
- Order: Cichliformes
Habitat
FishBase reports that adults inhabit lakes and rivers, preferring shallows and bank areas over sand, mud and rock bottoms, and favouring the slower-moving waters of the lower river valleys. It is a tropical freshwater fish; Wikipedia notes its occurrence in Nicaragua including Lake Nicaragua.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F); FishBase reports a wider 22-32 °C range
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Size: 8-12 cm (FishBase max 12.0 cm TL for males)
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore. FishBase assigns it a low trophic level, consistent with a diet that includes plant material and detritus; in aquaria a varied diet of prepared, frozen and live foods is appropriate.
Compatibility
It is a semi-aggressive, diurnal cichlid of the middle water column, smaller and generally less aggressive than the convict cichlid. It is best kept with similarly robust Central American cichlids and armored catfish rather than small tetras, especially during breeding when it becomes territorial.
Breeding
FishBase reports that the species usually lays eggs in sand depressions and produces 300-400 offspring per spawning. The KB record classifies it as a cave spawner of beginner-level difficulty in the aquarium.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient (assessed 17 January 2020). FishBase notes the species is used in the aquarium trade and is of no fisheries interest.