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In another post, I mentioned a book on Cichlids from my local library that proved to be highly informative, although the taxonomic names are principally of pre-revision vintage (for example, it still refers to the Jaguar Cichlid as Cichlasoma managuense, instead of the new name of Parachromis managuensis). It contains a substantial species listing, particularly with respect to Mesoamerican Cichlids, and also introduces the hobbyist to a number of interesting species, some familiar, some much less so. So, I thought another Baedecker tour might prove entertaining to my readers!

Among the more useful comments in the book is this:

The Dow's Cichlid's attainable size [the species is listed in the book as Cichlasoma dovii, now known as Parachromis dovii] puts this fish into the superclass, and excludes it from all but the largest aquarium. Few aquarists have kept this Cichlid with other community Cichlids; its comparative rarity solves the problem for most fishkeepers.

Yes, I'd say that dovii is well and truly in the superclass for size too!

Among the interesting Mesoamericans featured is Herotilapia multispinosa, the Rainbow Cichlid, which at 5 inches is a smaller species, and one whose relative peacefulness contrasts sharply with the likes of the Guapotes, for example! This fish will not hesitate to defend a brood of eggs or fry against bigger opposition, of course, and its ability to look after itself among bigger company leads the authors of the book to suggest that it would be a suitable dither fish among some of the larger species. However, the authors also state that tank-bred specimens are now so far removed from the wild specimens in terms of colouration, that examples of the wild Herotilapia multispinosa would seem like a completely different species from the tank-bred ones!

Also featued is the Umbee, listed as Cichlasoma umbriferum, a species I briefly covered in my 'Latin Temperament' post on Guapotes and allies. This is a problematic fish for taxonomists at the moment, who have yet to universally agree a Genus for it, along with the related Cichlasoma trimaculatum, also featured in the book. "Trimacs" are big - as in Oscar sized - and if kept with other Cichlids, should be kept with similar sized bruisers, and the book notes (a delicious understatement here!) that the "Trimac" is aggressive when breeding. I think one or two people here on the Board would nod their heads upon hearing that! Umbees, of course, are pugnacious, belligerent fishes that need LOTS of space (the book says that the Umbee is an open water spawner, which explains a lot, given that it shares its riverine home in the wild with numerous tough and large customers including Big Pim Catfishes) but the accompanying photograph shows admirably why Umbees continue to attract fans among the big Cichlid keepers - a breeding male is utterly resplendent, and a full-sized 16-inch specimen commands attention from everyone who passes its aquarium!

Listed in the book as Cichlasoma urophthalmus, the Tail Spot Cichlid is described as follows:

Contrary to some descriptions, the author has found this particular species to be extremely aggressive. An adult specimen chased and attacked a large Oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) until the latter had to be removed for its own safety.

The book also says that due to a similarity of colour scheme, the species is frequently confused with the Red Terror (although the latter is much more intensely red-orange in breeding colours) and that behaviourally, it should be regarded as not that much less vicious. The 'Oscar mugging' cited above apparenlty took place in an aquarium that was 8 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet - indicative that this species needs a LOT of space! The book also warns prospective breeders that it is notoriously vicious towards anything perceived as an 'intruder' venturing too close to its eggs or fry, and that it is one of those species that prefers to spawn on large pieces of bogwood. Breeding behaviour is described as 'typical' in the sense of being monogamous and a devoted parent, but anyone taking on this species should be prepared for fireworks in abundance if kept alongside other Cichlids!

Described as a new species to the hobby (as of the early 1990s at least), Cichlasoma robertsoni, the metallic Green Cichlid, is again an impressive fish, though regarded as much more moderate in its behaviour than urophthalmus. Its big disadvantage, at least from the standpoint of maintaining it in a decorated aquarium, is that it is, allegedly, an underwater bulldozer capable of shifting huge amounts of gravel or sand, but large adults (8 inches or so) in breeding dress are awesome to behold. According to Dr Paul Loiselle (after whom Parachromis loisellei was named) this fish may be among the less belligerent Cichlids, but it can look after itself, even alongside pugnacious companions, and is even capable of breeding in a Cichlid community alongside some real bruisers - including one fish I shall mention in due course that will be of great interest to the Cichlid fans on this Board (more later - those who can't wait, scroll down and read about Neetroplus nematopus ...).

Listed in the book as Cichlasoma nicaraguense, the Nicaragua Cichlid is cited as being a fish capable of living alongside Black Belts (Vieja maculicauda) and Synspilums - not especially aggressive per se, but capable of inflicting a LOT of damage on opponents if ritual combat escalates to outright warfare. It is unusual in several respects, not least the amazing colour scheme of the adults, not even hinted at in the comparatively drab hues of the juveniles, which look like washed-out Convicts. Adults become amazing opalescent fishes, vibrantly blue-faced in the case of the female, with flame-orange bodies and, in the case of the female, a black lateral line band overlaid with a triangular spot midway between the head and tail. Shimmering greens and yellows are mixed in with this, and the fish is described as rivalling several coral reef fishes in brilliance. The accompanying photograph shows a breeding pair in full colour. See this photograph and go "WOW" - this is one GORGEOUS Cichlid, and, not satisfied with providing the aquarist with a blast of colours (thanks to the play of light upon its scales, the fish really DOES seem to be carved out of precious opal!) it offers a breeding novelty too. Once pair bonding has been successfully achieved, the fish spawns readily, dropping its eggs into a deep pit dug in the substrate (yes, it's another bulldozer I'm afraid!). The aquarist is advised to leave the eggs with the parents, as removing them can result in a bitter 'divorce', and newly matured males tend to be somewhat lacking in the fertility department, seemingly requiring some time to get into their stride. Fry yields are therefore cited in the book as pretty low by Cichlid standards until the pair has had numerous attempts to perfect their act. Mature parents will produce larger spawns, with a greater fertility rate. One unique feature of this species is that its eggs are non-adhesive! Furthermore, this is a species in which the female can outshine the male at breeding time with her colours: be prepared for a spectacular display if you keep this fish!

One rarity among the smaller Mesoamericans (and one that the authors reckon has the wrong common name!) is Cichlasoma aureum. At 6 inches, the Gold Top Cichlid resembles a Firemouth in body shape, and in breeding dress is iridescent green with a reddish-orange dorsal fin. A species that the authors claim deserves far better recognition, it is currently a considerable rarity (certainly so here in the UK - this book is the first place I've seen it!) and it is a slate spawner, moving its eggs and fry frequently to freshly dug pits in order to confuse would be egg and fry thieves. Not only is its body shape almost identical to a Firemouth, its colouration (minus the flame red mouth) is similar in several repects, and its care and maintenance requirements are practically identical. One to look out for, not only upon account of its rarity value, but also because it is a wonderfully attractive fish, with male dorsal and anal fin extensions that are especially flowing and graceful in fine specimens.

Another smaller Mesoamerican, Cichlasoma spilurum, is known as the Jade Eyed Cichlid, and the photograph shows why. It truly does have lustrous jade-green eyes! Described in the book as an excellent species to introduce fishkeepers to the delights of Mesoamerican Cichlids, it is colourful, easy to persuade to spawn (especially when conditioned by good feeding - well-fed specimens are ready spawners when adult), and is described by the authors as possibly the most underrated of all the modest-sized Mesoamericans. They do warn, however, that newly matured adults spawning for the first time (this is a species that will use flowerpots or other cave-like structures) can be difficult and aggressive in a mixed aquarium, until they master the art of parenthood. However, non-breeding individuals are relativlely peaceful, and the unusual warm pastel hues that the fish displays in breeding dress make it a fish of distinction that causes me to agree with the authors: this fish deserves to be much better known!

And now, for a species that is probably unique among freshwater fishes, let alone Cichlids! A small Cichlid (not that much bigger than a large Apistogramma, struggling to reach 4 inches) but one that breaks LOTS of rules. Neetroplus nematopus, the Pygmy Green-Eye, develops a slight (but still noticeable) nuchal hump, as if it is trying to become a miniature Midas Cichlid but hasn't yet made it, is known to be an Aufwuchs grazer requiring vegetable matter in the diet, and for its size, is utterly ferocious. The authors describe it thus:

All aquarium rules are broken by this tiny Central American Cichlid. A 7.5 to 10 cm male can cause havoc in small and large aquaria alike, and it will not show any fear of large fish, especially if paired or brood protecting. Although ideally suited to small aquaria [my note - only if they are species aquaria!] these demons would not come unstuck in a busy large Cichlid community!

These are cave spawners, preferring a partially buried flowerpot or similar structure, and will excavate the substrate to close up the entrance and make intrusion that much more difficult for potential egg or fry thieves. The female also undergoes one of the most extreme colour changes seen among Mesoamerican Cichlids once the eggs are laid, transforming from light grey to deep blue-black, with the single black vertical bar normally present on a non-breeding female turning almost white. Male colour reversal is also a feature of this species, though not quite as spectacular as that of the female, and in his case occurring once 'guard duty' over the fry commences. Another quote from the book is apposite here:

Brood-protecting parents will not hesitate to attack intruders, but other community fish tend to recognise the demon pair as potential trouble to be avoided.

Fiery Latin temperament? This one is VOLCANIC! If you want a 'personality' Cichlid, this is probably one of THE 'personality Cichlids' - a tiny Cichlid, one that looks puny size-wise next to a Convict, but with all the fire of a Jaguar or a motaguensis, packed into a miniature package that practically gives off sparks! And, as if all of this were not enough, it is reputed to be possibly the ONLY freshwater 'cleaner fish' known to science! Apparently, in the wild, Neetroplus nematopus acts as a 'cleaner fish' for other, larger Cichlids, which probably accounts for its ability to survive alongside even large Guapotes in an aquarium, where other fish of similar size would end their days as lunch! Oh, and the photograph in the book of a female with fry tells a story all of its own. Just look into those piercing yellow eyes ... yes, this is a fish that really WILL take on all comers, rather like the Tasmanian Devil in the Bugs Bunny cartoons, a miniature psychopath capable of squaring up to a full-sized Oscar and snarling at it ... not so much saying "come on if you think you're hard enough", but "no, you're NOT hard enough, and I'll prove it if you don't sod off NOW ..." Reputedly attending large specimens of Cichlasoma nicaraguense in the wild as a cleaner fish, this is, in a small package, everything the lover of awkward, ornery Cichlids could ever wish for - an incandescently bad temper, extraordinary colour changes when breeding, fight-to-the-death tenacity in defence of its fry, and in the right setting, potentially exhibiting behaviour akin to that of the marine Cleaner Wrasse. A real star if ever there was one!

And with that extraordinary little fish, it's time to bring this Baedecker tour to a close. Food for thought yet again among the Meosamerican Cichlids - personality fishes par excellence for those aquarists with the experience to cope with big appetites, flaring tempers and in some cases, bulldozer excavation tendencies, that will reward with beautiful colour displays that in some cases are blasts of supernova brilliance, highly developed parental skills, and a family life that is touching to behold. Even the small ones don't disappoint!




Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Thanks for taking the time to post,was a really interesting read and very informative

Glad to be of service

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Great article! The article is very well written and your time and effort are greatly appreciated. I'd like to make some points though about a few of the species mentioned. I think the book you're citing from may be a bit outdated.

the accompanying photograph shows admirably why Umbees continue to attract fans among the big Cichlid keepers - a breeding male is utterly resplendent, and a full-sized 16-inch specimen commands attention from everyone who passes its aquarium!

A 16" male umbee is still really a sub-adult. Max. size for male Umbees is closer to the 24" area with the potential to grow slightly larger. I've heard reports of males up to 30" long but no pics were ever provided. Also, for now Caquetaia is the accepted genus for the umbriferum. At one time the Umbee was classified as Nandopsis and the genus could change again soon. I think several genus' are currently being studied for revisions and there are several species that currently do not belong to a specific genus and are generically referred to as "Cichlasoma" for the time being.

Described as a new species to the hobby (as of the early 1990s at least), Cichlasoma robertsoni, the metallic Green Cichlid, is again an impressive fish

For now, this fish belongs to the Amphilophus genus though I'm sure this will be officially changed soon. I believe a separate genus, Astatheros, was created for the Central American Eartheaters, a group of cichlids including the robertsoni that are very similar in look and behavior to the South American Geophagus spp. Now, what's really confusing me is the reference to the robertsoni as the "metallic Green cichlid". There are 3 variants of the robertsoni but I don't recall any having much, if any green coloration at all. This is an amazingly beautiful species however and I highly recommend them to anyone who can find them. As for the 3 color variants, one is the "Red/Purple Tailed" which I have and is the most common of the three. Another variant is the "Red-Cheek" which I believe looks similar to the first but also has red or purple coloration on the cheeks/gill covers. The final is a yellow variant which looks very similar to A. nourisatti.

an underwater bulldozer capable of shifting huge amounts of gravel or sand

I haven't observed much in the way of re-decorating from this species. My largest robertsoni (which I believe is female) is over 3 years old and has never dug a single pit in the gravel. This species is considered an earth-eater meaning it will sift through the gravel looking for food. However, it is no more destructive than any typical Thorichthys spp.

One rarity among the smaller Mesoamericans (and one that the authors reckon has the wrong common name!) is Cichlasoma aureum. At 6 inches, the Gold Top Cichlid resembles a Firemouth in body shape, and in breeding dress is iridescent green with a reddish-orange dorsal fin.

This is Thorichthys aureum, a very close relative to the firemouth. From what I've been told, this is one of the smaller of the Thorichthys spp. so a 6" adult might be a bit exaggerated. Males will grow probably more in the 4" range possibly 5" for jumbo males. Also, again I'm not sure about the reference to the green coloration. There are several variants of this species and perhaps the author was examining a rare variant, but I don't believe they show much green if any at all. In fact, I recently read a post on another forum by one of the leading experts with CA/SA cichlids and an avid collector/photographer/author by the name of Juan Miguel Artigas Azas. He said that the Thorichthys sp. 'Mixteco Green' is the only species/variant of the entire genus to display any green coloration.

Another smaller Mesoamerican, Cichlasoma spilurum, is known as the Jade Eyed Cichlid, and the photograph shows why. It truly does have lustrous jade-green eyes!

One more time, this fish is also called the 'Blue eyed cichlid', or Cryptoheros spilurum. This fish is a close relative to the convict cichlid but does not grow as large and is not nearly as aggressive. At first I thought this was the only Cryptoheros spp. to have blue eyes but in fact there are several. C. sajica, C. nanoluteus and C. altoflavus also have beautiful blue eyes.

I wonder if the pics in this book were taken in discolored water causing many of the blues to look green. In all these instances I've made note of, the author refers to coloration being green when the real color is blue.

Other than these oversights on the author's behalf, your article was a great read and is very informative.

Jason

Great read. Many species listed that I had not been previously familiar with!

Ah. MORE database updates!

Thanks Jason. And I've mentioned Azas before in other posts - this man knows what he's talking about, so I'll defer to him

Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

Excellent. Anounced. Enough said. Thanks Jason for those great add ons!