Red breast cichlid

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Distributed on the Caribbean side of Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica). Prefers medium-sized rivers and muddy bottoms rich in organic detritus or swamps covered by dense vegetation.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Red Breast Cichlid. Atypical and less robust member of the genus Amphilophus. More oval and compressed body than the Midas. The name "longimanus" refers to the very long, saber-like pectoral fins used to stir up silt. Reaches about 20-25 cm (8-10 inches).

Social Behavior: Decidedly less aggressive and irascible compared to other Amphilophus. Spends its time sifting and spitting out mud and sand in search of food, similarly to the South American "earth-eating" Cichlids (Geophagus).

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Features a greenish or silvery background color with a characteristic black spot in the center of the flank (often extended to a broken black line). The throat, belly and pelvic fins become a wonderful fire red, especially during spawning. No obvious nuchal hump.

Aquarium Setup: Aquariums of at least 300 liters (80 gallons). It is essential to use very thick and soft sandy bottoms to allow the natural digging and filtering behavior ("sifting"). Arrange round stones and bogwood roots. Plants will easily be accidentally uprooted by their excavations.

Diet and Feeding: Detritivorous micro-predator. Although it accepts pellets in the aquarium, its ideal diet must consist of small foods that sink into the sand: bloodworms, tubifex and brine shrimp. It prefers to ingest food mixed with sand to crush it.

Water Quality: Sensitive to high nitrates resulting from its constant excavations that put dirt back into circulation. pH 7.0-8.0, temperatures of 23-30°C (73-86°F). Powerful mechanical pre-filters or sumps are recommended to keep the water clear.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Must absolutely not be placed in tanks with Midas, Jaguars or other large Central American predators, by which it would be bullied or killed. Perfect for medium-sized community tanks with Characins, Thorichthys or small Ancistrus.

Aquarium Reproduction: They lay on smooth stones after digging extensive holes (craters) in the sand. Parental care is excellent and, at this stage, the pair will become furiously territorial, chasing away intruders without the murderous impetus typical of the Midas cousin.

Risks and Diseases: Healthy and tolerant fish. The main problem in captivity is linked to the wrong choice of coarse or sharp gravel that irreversibly wounds the fish's mouth during its incessant filtering of the seabed.