Tamasopo Cichlid Care Guide
Herichthys tamasopoensis is a Mexican cichlid endemic to the Tamasopo River, reaching about 18 cm and living in hard, clear, rocky waters.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Herichthys tamasopoensis, the Tamasopo cichlid, is a Central American cichlid described by Artigas Azas in 1993. FishBase lists a total length up to 18 cm. It is endemic to a single Mexican river system and is rated harmless to humans.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Herichthys
- Scientific name: Herichthys tamasopoensis
- Authority: Artigas Azas, 1993
Habitat
The species is native to the Tamasopo River within the Panuco River basin, Mexico. FishBase describes its habitat as hard, clear water with a pH of 7.8-8.3 over rock substrate. It is a freshwater, benthopelagic fish that co-occurs with several other species.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7.8-8.3
- GH: 12-22 °dGH (hard water)
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
- Provide rockwork and open swimming space
Diet
Herichthys tamasopoensis is an omnivore, placed by FishBase at a trophic level of about 3.4. In the aquarium it accepts varied prepared, frozen and fresh foods.
Compatibility
Like other Herichthys it is territorial, especially when breeding, and suits other robust Central American cichlids or large plecos rather than small fishes. It disturbs the substrate, so rooted-plant layouts are not recommended.
Breeding
It is a biparental substrate spawner; FishBase notes that both parents tend the clutch.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (assessed 2018), reflecting its restricted single-river range.
Herichthys tamasopoensis Breeding Guide
Overview
Herichthys tamasopoensis, the Tamasopo cichlid, is a Mexican cichlid from the Tamasopo area, reaching about 18 cm. Its habitat is fairly hard, alkaline water (pH about 7.8-8.3), with temperatures around 22 C in the dry season and below 18 C in the rainy season. It is a biparental cave spawner and is described as not too aggressive in the aquarium.
Sexing
Adult males develop a hump on the head, while females remain smaller. During courtship the fish turn nearly solid white, and some develop a black throat.
Breeding Setup
- Provide caves formed by rocks and driftwood; pairs deposit eggs against the side or top wall of a cave.
- Use sand substrate so the pair can dig nesting pits.
- Maintain fairly hard, alkaline water resembling the natural habitat.
- One pair can be kept in a tank from about 1 meter long.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The pair chooses a cave and deposits 200 to 300 eggs equipped with adhesive strings against the cave wall. Males establish territories about 1 meter across. The pair threatens intruders first, then makes a quick decisive attack before returning to the brood. During breeding the pair should be kept alone.
Egg & Fry Care
After 2 to 3 days of fanning the larvae hatch and are moved to nesting pits until their yolk sacs are absorbed. Both parents tend the clutch. In nature the young feed on algae and detritus; in the aquarium they can be raised on brine shrimp nauplii and dust food, and maintaining some algae on tank surfaces aids rearing.
Common Challenges
Although not strongly aggressive, breeding pairs should be isolated, as they defend their territory and brood. Provide hard alkaline water and sufficient cave structure for reliable spawning.