Cupid cichlid

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Amazon River basin and Essequibo (Peru, Brazil, Guyana). Prefers slow-flowing waters, quiet bays (cochas) with sandy bottoms covered by a thick litter of decaying leaves and fallen branches.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Cupid Cichlid (Biotodoma cupido). An atypical and small/medium-sized "eartheater". It has a rounded profile with a characteristic dark line running through the eye and a showy teardrop-shaped spot (ocellus) in the upper rear half of the body.

Social Behavior: Peaceful and almost shy cichlid. Shows a marked gregarious behavior; should preferably be kept in groups of 5-6 specimens or more. Outside the breeding season, it is one of the most placid cichlids around.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Delicate and pastel livery: gray-beige background that in well-kept aquariums develops amazing iridescent purple, pink, green and light blue reflections. Very weak dimorphism; only during reproduction the female (smaller) shows the enlarged genital papilla.

Aquarium Setup: Spacious tank (min. 120 cm / 48 inches). Mandatory a bottom of fine sand (not gravel) as they constantly sift the substrate. Create shaded areas with intertwined woods and Indian almond leaves to mitigate their shyness.

Diet and Feeding: Benthic (Bottom micro-predator). Sifts the sand in search of invertebrates. In the aquarium it accepts everything, but a diet based on bloodworms, daphnia and brine shrimp is necessary to enhance its colors. Use fine sinking bottom pellets.

Water Quality: Needs warm (25-30°C / 77-86°F), acidic and soft water, but above all extremely clean. It is very sensitive to the accumulation of pollutants (nitrates); large and frequent water changes are essential.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Excellent for the peaceful Amazonian community aquarium. Perfect with Tetras (Cardinals, Rummy-nose), Corydoras, and calm Loricariids. Avoid large belligerent cichlids or dominant "Eartheaters" like Geophagus that would terrify them.

Aquarium Reproduction: Open substrate spawner. They form pair bonds within the group. They choose flat rocks, pieces of wood or depressions in the sand to lay up to 200 eggs, vigorously defending the small breeding area.

Risks and Diseases: The main enemy is "Hexamita" (Hole-in-the-head disease), often triggered by chronic stress, poor diet or too high nitrates. If exposed to sharp gravel they will get infected wounds to the mouth parts.