Three-Spot Cichlid Breeding Guide

How to breed Amphilophus trimaculatus, a predatory Central American cichlid and biparental substrate spawner with large broods.

Overview

Amphilophus trimaculatus (Cichlasoma trimaculatum), the three-spot cichlid, is a predatory Central American species of the Pacific slope rivers from Mexico to El Salvador, living in slow-moving lower river valleys over mud and sand (FishBase, Wikipedia). It is a biparental substrate spawner that selects a flat stone for spawning.

Sexing

Males grow larger, develop longer, more pointed fins and a prominent red spot behind the gills, and may develop a nuchal hump at maturity; females are smaller with a less dominant red spot (Wikipedia). Females reach sexual maturity at about 8-10 cm and males at about 12-14 cm (FishBase).

Breeding Setup

A spacious tank with sand and flat stones for spawning suits this predator. FishBase gives a species temperature range of 21-30 °C; specific breeding pH and hardness figures are not provided in the consulted sources.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

The pair usually selects a flat stone and spawns on it (Wikipedia). Both parents guard the eggs fiercely and continue to tend the fry after they hatch, consistent with strong biparental care.

Egg & Fry Care

A large female may lay over 1000 eggs (FishBase, Wikipedia). Both parents guard the eggs and the resulting fry. A dedicated grow-out tank helps manage the predatory young.

Common Challenges

The species is aggressive and territorial, so pairing must be managed and an incompatible partner may be harmed. The large broods of predatory fry need ample grow-out space.