Nandopsis tetracanthus Care Guide
Nandopsis tetracanthus, the Cuban cichlid, is a predatory cichlid from Cuba inhabiting fast rivers and lakes, reaching about 20 cm.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Nandopsis tetracanthus, known as the Cuban cichlid or biajaca, is a predatory cichlid endemic to Cuba. FishBase lists Cuba as its native range, and it is most often associated with the western part of the island. It has a pale, dappled body marked with dark spots.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Nandopsis
- Scientific name: Nandopsis tetracanthus
Habitat
According to FishBase the species inhabits fast-flowing rivers as well as lakes, preferably among plants, and it can also be found in brackish river mouths. It occurs in both fresh and brackish waters and is benthopelagic.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.5
- GH: 10-22 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 20 cm SL
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
It is a carnivore. FishBase reports that it feeds on worms, other small fish, shrimps and water insects. Aquarium diets based on mysis, shrimp and similar meaty foods suit it well.
Compatibility
This is an aggressive, territorial mid-water cichlid that requires hard, alkaline water. Suitable companions are limited to robust tank mates such as large plecos and other aggressive cichlids of comparable size; small fish should be avoided.
Breeding
It is a substrate spawner of intermediate breeding difficulty, forming pairs that guard a chosen spawning site.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2020.
Cuban Cichlid Breeding Guide
Overview
Nandopsis tetracanthus, the Cuban cichlid, is an aggressive predator endemic to Cuba (FishBase). It inhabits fast-flowing rivers and lakes, often among plants, and can be found in brackish river mouths. It is a cave-using substrate spawner that fiercely defends its eggs and young. FishBase assesses it as Least Concern (2020).
Sexing
Reliable external sexing is not well documented in the consulted sources. A useful spawning sign is the female's protruding ovipositor (laying tube) when she is ready to deposit eggs (AquaInfo).
Breeding Setup
Provide a burrow in which the pair can lay eggs, such as a large clay pot placed on its side (AquaInfo). FishBase gives a temperature range of 24-30 °C for the species. Because the eggs and young are so fiercely defended, a dedicated breeding tank helps protect both the brood and other fish from the parents' aggression.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The pair completely cleans the chosen pot before courtship. When the female is ready, her laying tube protrudes; the male swims in circles around the pot to encourage her to spawn (AquaInfo). The eggs are laid inside the cave-like shelter.
Egg & Fry Care
A spawn produces a maximum of about 600 eggs (FishBase). The eggs and resulting fry are very fiercely defended by the parents, which is why a separate breeding aquarium is recommended (AquaInfo).
Common Challenges
The intense aggression of breeding parents can endanger tank mates and complicate maintenance. Establishing a compatible pair and providing a suitable cave are the main hurdles to a successful spawn.