Nandopsis tetracanthus Care Guide
Nandopsis tetracanthus, the Cuban cichlid, is a predatory cichlid from Cuba inhabiting fast rivers and lakes, reaching about 20 cm.
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.