Itanyi Cichlid
Krobia itanyi
The reserved and colorful 'Dolphin Cichlid of the Itany' (12-14 cm). Similar to K. guianensis, the Krobia itanyi is appreciated for a greater chromatic vivacity, exhibiting splendid pinkish strokes and warm orange. It shares the incredible docility of the genus: it is a "living room cichlid" that avoids clashes, ignores plants and goes unnoticed until it shows its spectacular colors in the dark meanders of a Blackwater style aquarium.
Water Temperature
22 - 28 °C
pH Value
5.5 - 7
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Bottom and middle
Adult size
14 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 180 L
Minimum group
>= 1
GH
1 - 10 dGH
KH
1 - 5 dKH
TDS
25 - 200 ppm
Conductivity
39 - 313 uS/cm
Species description
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Maroni River and tributaries (between Suriname and French Guiana). Inhabits very calm or stagnant streams covered by dense aquatic vegetation and banks shaded by trees.
Taxonomy and Morphology: Dolphin Cichlid / Itanyi Cichlid (Krobia itanyi). Closely related to the guianensis, it is slightly more massive (14 cm / 5.5 inches). Equally rounded snout profile, similar to the snout of marine mammals (Dolphin).
Social Behavior: Zen cichlid. It is known for its exceptionally calm temperament; it ignores most small fish (as long as they don't fit in its mouth) and tends to station lazily in mid-water. Less shy than its guianensis cousin.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: The livery is a uniform pastel green/gold, spotted on the sides, but the unique feature is the absence or weakness of the dark lateral line compared to the guianensis, compensated by a more "creamy" and orange base coloration on the belly (especially in the adult male). More powerful males with pointed fins.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Aquarium Setup: South American tank of 120 cm (48 inches). Sandy bottom mixed with small smooth pebbles. Large polished roots forming shady ravines. It is important to shield the light with floating epiphytic plants to give it security.
Diet and Feeding: Insectivore/Omnivore. Seeks food on the bottom or in mid-water, likes small snails or pieces of shrimp. Can be quickly accustomed to dry food as long as it sinks (it does not willingly rise to the surface to eat).
Water Quality: Typical "Blackwater" species: dissolved tannins (released by leaves and woods) are necessary to keep the mucosa strong. A weakly acidic ph (6.0 - 6.5) and absence of strong currents will prevent illness.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Excellent. Ideal cichlid for pairings with massive Characins (Bleeding Heart Tetra, Emperor Tetra), Mesonauta festivus, Angelfish or large Loricariids. Never pair them with "fin-nipper" or very frenetic fish that will keep them perpetually holed up.
Aquarium Breeding: Simple if the water is pristine. They become very territorial when brooding, cleaning a flat surface in semi-darkness (Biparental Substrate Spawners). They move the young to sandy pits after hatching and defend them fiercely but for a very restricted radius.
Risks and Diseases: Sensitivity to Nitrates. The stocky build hides a vulnerability to HITH (Hole in the Head disease); persistent water pollution will quickly deteriorate the cephalic cartilage and appetite.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Maroni River and tributaries (between Suriname and French Guiana). Inhabits very calm or stagnant streams covered by dense aquatic vegetation and banks shaded by trees.
Origin
Amazon, Orinoco, and Guianas
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Often called the 'Dolphin Cichlid,' they are gentle, intelligent, and relatively shy. They are non-aggressive unless they are actively protecting a batch of fry. They are an excellent introductory cichlid for community aquariums.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- They are omnivorous and require a diverse diet to thrive. High-quality cichlid pellets should be supplemented with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Adding spirulina or blanched vegetables occasionally helps balance their digestion.
- Life expectancy
- 5-8 years
- In captivity, Krobia itanyi has a lifespan of 5 to 8 years under proper care. Maintaining low levels of nitrates through regular water changes is essential for their health. Providing a balanced diet and a stress-free environment will help them reach their maximum lifespan. In exceptionally clean and well-maintained setups, some individuals may live even longer.
- Adult size
- 14 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 14 cm. The FishBase SPECIES table (v25.04 snapshot) source reports a maximum adult measurement of 12.5 cm for this species, recorded as standard length (SL). The taxonomic record consulted is Krobia itanyi (v25.04); male or unsexed record. These figures are not interchangeable: the first is the profile's editorial reference, whereas the second is a published maximum under a specific measurement convention; differences among sources can reflect sex, population, life stage and measuring method.
- Sex ratio
- Pair
- Pairs are the ideal way to keep adult Krobia itanyi. You can start with a small group of 5-6 juveniles and let them pair off naturally. Male-heavy groups may experience some mild bickering, but severe injuries are rare.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- Offer them food one to two times daily in moderate portions. They are eager eaters but should only be given what they consume in a few minutes. Avoid heavy feeding to maintain water quality and prevent obesity.
- Bioload
- This species has a moderate bioload typical of mid-sized South American cichlids. A strong canister filter and weekly water changes are highly recommended. Excellent water parameters are required to showcase their stunning colors.
- Flow
- Stagnant
- They originate from slow-moving rivers and prefer gentle to moderate flow. Strong, turbulent water will cause them stress and should be avoided. A well-placed spray bar is ideal to distribute the filter return gently.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- They are biparental substrate spawners, laying eggs on smooth stones or pieces of wood. The pair will actively defend their brood from other tank inhabitants. Breeding is relatively easy when fed a high-protein diet in soft, acidic water.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- They are famously peaceful and make great centerpieces for a community tank. They do very well with schooling tetras, hatchetfish, and small catfish. Keep them away from boisterous or overly aggressive tankmates that could stress them.
- Tank level
- Middle/Bottom
- They spend most of their time cruising the lower to middle sections of the water column. They will forage among driftwood tangles and rest near the substrate. Providing broad-leaved plants like Echinodorus is highly appreciated.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Trophic level
- 3.4 ± 0.46 se
- Resilience
- High (less than 15 months)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.5625
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.02754, b = 3.06
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
