Black-Spotted Cichlid (Mesoheros atromaculatus) Breeding Guide
Breeding Mesoheros atromaculatus: open substrate spawning of up to 3000 eggs on a flat stone, mainly female-guarded, with notes on maturity and water parameters.
Overview
Mesoheros atromaculatus is a South American cichlid from the Atrato, San Juan and Baudo River basins in Colombia, reaching a maximum length of 25.0 cm. It is an open substrate spawner that forms pairs, with the female taking the leading role in defending eggs and young.
Breeding Setup
Provide open spawning surfaces such as a flat stone within a spacious tank. Reported environmental parameters for the species are a temperature of 23-29 degrees C, pH 5.5-7.5 and a soft hardness of 0-3 dH; the species occurs in freshwater and brackish, benthopelagic habitats.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Up to 3000 eggs are deposited on open substratum, such as a flat stone. Spawning has typically been reported only once the fish reach a relatively large size, so mature, well-conditioned pairs are needed before spawning attempts succeed.
Egg & Fry Care
Mainly the female guards the eggs and young after spawning. Maintain clean, stable water within the parameters above while the parents tend the brood through hatching and the early free-swimming stage.