Theraps coeruleus Care Guide
Theraps coeruleus, now placed in Rheoheros, is a current-loving Mexican cichlid from the upper Tulija River in the Usumacinta drainage.
Overview
Theraps coeruleus, currently placed in the genus Rheoheros, is a Central American cichlid. FishBase records it from the upper Tulija River in the Usumacinta drainage of Mexico, where it lives in montane, current-rich habitat. Dominant males develop strong blue coloration.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Theraps
- Scientific name: Theraps coeruleus
- Common synonyms: Rheoheros coeruleus
Habitat
It is a freshwater, benthopelagic, current-loving fish that prefers montane habitat in the upper Tulija River system (FishBase).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 23-25 °C (73-77 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 9-20 °dGH
- Water flow: strong
- Maximum size: about 12 cm SL
Diet
FishBase reports that it feeds on aufwuchs and encrusted invertebrates, mostly small crustaceans, consistent with a grazing omnivore of fast-flowing waters.
Compatibility
It is a semi-aggressive, mid-water rheophilic species best kept with other Central American cichlids or large plecos in a well-oxygenated tank with strong flow; small fish and plants are unsuitable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient, assessed in 2018.