Curve-Bar Cichlid Care Guide
Herichthys labridens is a Mexican cichlid of the Panuco basin, reaching up to 25 cm and listed as Endangered by the IUCN.
Overview
Herichthys labridens, the curve-bar cichlid, is a Central American cichlid described by Pellegrin in 1903. FishBase lists a standard length up to 25 cm. The body is golden with a curved dark band. It is associated with hard, warm-spring waters in Mexico.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Herichthys
- Scientific name: Herichthys labridens
- Authority: Pellegrin, 1903
Habitat
The species is native to the Atlantic slope in the Panuco River basin, Mexico. FishBase records it from the karstic warm spring Media Luna, where it occurs together with H. bartoni and H. cf. carpintis. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic, non-migratory fish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 12-22 °dGH (hard water)
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Provide plant and rock cover
Diet
Herichthys labridens is an omnivore. In the aquarium it accepts varied prepared and fresh foods; FishBase notes the species is not easy to raise in captivity.
Compatibility
The species is territorial, particularly when breeding, and is best kept with other Central American cichlids or large plecos rather than small fishes. As a digger it is not compatible with rooted plants in most setups.
Breeding
It is a substrate spawner (egg layer) that requires plant and rock cover for spawning sites.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (assessed 2018), reflecting its restricted spring-fed range.