T-Bar Cichlid (Sajica)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Southern Costa Rica (Rio Terraba). Frequents shaded streams and small rivers with moderate currents, on whose bottom rocks, clay and woody debris abound.

Taxonomy and Morphology: T-bar Cichlid (Cryptoheros sajica). Sometimes placed in the genus Amatitlania. Takes its common name ("T-bar") from the large vertical black band that intersects in a T shape with the dark longitudinal line.

Social Behavior: Proud and territorial Cichlid, forms lasting and monogamous pairs. Although less ruthless than the Convict Cichlid (Amatitlania nigrofasciata), it demands respect for its space, especially during reproduction.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Purplish or pinkish-gray base coloration, with magnetic sapphire blue eyes. Males develop extended dorsal and anal fins with burgundy/red reflections and a conspicuous nuchal hump. Females have vibrant yellow fins.

Aquarium Setup: Adult pair in minimum 100 cm (40 inches). Decorate with large smooth rocks stacked to form wide caves, bogwood and fine sand substrate (they dig formidable chasms around the den).

Diet and Feeding: Robust omnivore. Basic granular feed for cichlids, vegetable flakes and supplements of mysis, shrimp meat and bloodworms. They will also graze any tender algae from the rocks.

Water Quality: Hard and alkaline waters (pH 7.5) are its natural environment. Excellent oxygenation and powerful mechanical filtration to make up for the constant suspension of sand during their excavations.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Cohabits with large livebearers (giant Swordtails), Astyanax and other calm Central American Cichlids, if space abounds. Small fish (Neons) will be hunted. Corydoras would be massacred if they approached the den.

Aquarium Reproduction: Extremely easy. After a turbulent courtship, they lay 300-400 pink eggs in crevices. The cloud of fry will be escorted by the parents in a spectacular and fierce way around the tank.

Risks and Diseases: The only problems derive from trauma: females who are not ready risk being killed by the male in tanks without sufficiently narrow hiding places to take refuge.