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.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Herichthys labridens Breeding Guide
Overview
Herichthys labridens, the curve-bar cichlid, is a benthopelagic cichlid from the Atlantic slope of the Panuco River basin in Mexico, including the Media Luna karstic warm-spring system, where it lives sympatrically with related cichlids. FishBase records a maximum length of about 25 cm SL. It is an egg-laying substrate spawner and is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, having been impacted by water diversion for agriculture; it is used both in commercial fisheries and in the aquarium trade.
Conditioning
FishBase gives a temperature range of about 22-30 C and pH 7.0-8.5, with aquarium recommendations near pH 7. Matching its hard, alkaline spring habitat supports condition. The species is considered not easy to raise in captivity and is recommended for intermediate keepers.
Breeding Setup
- Provide rock cover and flat surfaces for egg deposition; the species needs plant and rock cover.
- Use sand substrate so the pair can excavate nursery pits.
- Maintain hard, alkaline water as found in its natural spring habitat.
- Provide a large tank for this sizeable, territorial cichlid.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
As a Herichthys substrate spawner, the pair cleans a chosen surface, the female deposits adhesive eggs, and the male fertilises them, after which both parents guard the clutch. Stable, warm, hard water encourages spawning.
Egg & Fry Care
Both parents tend the eggs and fry in typical biparental cichlid fashion, defending the brood and, after the fry are free-swimming, helping them feed by stirring the substrate. First foods for the fry include newly hatched Artemia.
Common Challenges
The species is territorial and not the easiest to raise, so provide ample space, hard alkaline water and structure. As an endangered species, use responsibly sourced captive stock for breeding.