Three-Spot Cichlid Care Guide
Cichlasoma trimaculatum, the three-spot cichlid, is a large predatory cichlid from Pacific-slope rivers of Mexico and Central America.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Cichlasoma trimaculatum, the three-spot cichlid or trimac, is a large predatory cichlid. FishBase places it on Pacific-slope rivers from Mexico to El Salvador, and it is also treated under the genus Amphilophus. It is named for the dark spots arranged along its midline.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Cichlasoma
- Scientific name: Cichlasoma trimaculatum
- Common synonyms: Amphilophus trimaculatus
Habitat
It is a freshwater, benthopelagic species inhabiting slow-moving waters of the lower river valleys with mud and sand bottoms, often found among roots and weeds (FishBase).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 36 cm SL
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet
FishBase records small fishes, macro-invertebrates and aquatic and terrestrial insects as its natural food. In captivity it is a carnivore accepting meaty and prepared foods.
Compatibility
This is an aggressive species requiring a dedicated tank. Companions should be limited to large, robust fish such as plecos or other aggressive Central American cichlids; small fish and plants are unsuitable.
Breeding
Pairs spawn on flat stones, with females laying over 1,000 eggs. Sexual maturity is reported at 8-10 cm in females and 12-14 cm in males, and both parents guard eggs and fry.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2018.
Three-Spot Cichlid Breeding Guide
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.