Mazaruni Cichlid
Mazarunia mazarunii
The priceless 'Jewel of the Mazaruni' (6-8 cm). This tiny and primordial species of dwarf cichlid is one of the most spectacular and unattainable endemics of the Guiana Shield. Similar in appearance (but not in close relation) to Apistogrammas and Nannacaras, it shows off a very compressed oval body, astounding silvery iridescences and conspicuous dark vertical bands. Peaceful but territorially demanding at the bottom, the Mazarunia mazarunii is the secret dream of biologists and the nightmare of beginners: it imperatively requires crystalline and swirling, hyper-oxygenated and cool waters, typical of the cold and rapid Guianan cliffs.
Water Temperature
24 - 28 °C
pH Value
5.5 - 6.5
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Bottom
Adult size
8 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 100 L
Minimum group
>= 1
GH
1 - 5 dGH
KH
1 - 2 dKH
TDS
25 - 95 ppm
Conductivity
39 - 148 uS/cm
Species description
Geographic Origin and Biotope: FishBase records Mazarunia mazarunii as a freshwater, tropical, benthopelagic species from the Essequibo drainage, in the upper Mazaruni River near Kamarang, Guyana. It lists pH 5.8–7.2, hardness up to 8 dH, and temperature 20–30 °C.
Taxonomy and Morphology: FishBase documents a maximum length of 5.3 cm SL.
Social Behaviour: Both parents tend the clutch, and larvae are often deposited in small holes in roots.
Colouration and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery makes no source-backed claim about colouration or sexual dimorphism beyond the facts cited above.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Verified source data: Mazarunia mazarunii is freshwater, benthopelagic and tropical; FishBase reports pH 5.8–7.2 and 20–30 °C. Both parents tend the clutch, and larvae are often deposited in little holes in the roots.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
This species originates from: Sud America (Bacino del fiume Mazaruni e alto Essequibo, Scudo della Guiana).
Origin
Amazon, Orinoco, and Guianas
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- This cichlid boasts a bold, assertive, and sometimes highly aggressive temperament. They are intelligent fish that will quickly learn to recognize their owner and beg for food. They are infamous for their earth-moving capabilities, often uprooting plants and moving gravel to redecorate the tank. Their dynamic and interactive nature makes them a captivating pet for experienced aquarists.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- This species is largely omnivorous with a strong preference for meaty foods in their diet. They will readily accept high-quality cichlid pellets, sticks, and flakes as a staple. Their diet should be generously supplemented with frozen foods like bloodworms, krill, and chopped earthworms. Occasional vegetable matter, such as spirulina or blanched spinach, helps maintain digestive health.
- Life expectancy
- 3-5 years
- In captivity, the Mazaruni Cichlid typically lives between 3 and 5 years when maintained under optimal conditions. To support their health and longevity, it is essential to keep them in soft, acidic, and well-filtered water. Regular water changes and a high-quality diet will prevent diseases and physical degeneration, helping them reach their maximum age. Stress from aggressive tankmates or poor water chemistry will significantly shorten their lifespan.
- Adult size
- 8 cm
- The catalog's scalar value is 8 cm. The FishBase SPECIES table (v25.04 snapshot) source reports a maximum adult measurement of 5.3 cm for this species, recorded as standard length (SL). The taxonomic record consulted is Mazarunia mazarunii (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
- They are best kept as a single compatible pair, which often requires purchasing a group of juveniles and letting them pair off naturally. Once a pair has formed, the remaining individuals must usually be removed to prevent them from being killed. Unpaired males will fight fiercely over territory and dominance. In very large setups, multiple territories can sometimes support more than one pair.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- Adults should be fed once or twice daily with portions they can completely consume in a few minutes. Overfeeding can quickly foul the water due to their messy eating habits. Juveniles require more frequent feedings, up to three times a day, to support their rapid growth rate. A varied feeding schedule ensures optimal health and coloration.
- Bioload
- Low to Medium
- The Mazaruni Cichlid produces a significant bioload typical of medium-to-large cichlids. A robust filtration system is essential to handle the waste they generate and maintain pristine water conditions. Regular and substantial water changes are necessary to keep nitrate levels in check. Consistent maintenance helps prevent disease and keeps their colors vibrant.
- Flow
- Stagnant
- They appreciate moderate water flow that ensures excellent oxygenation without creating stressful turbulence. The filter output should facilitate good circulation to sweep away solid waste from the bottom. They often prefer having quieter zones in the aquarium where they can retreat and rest. Proper flow mimicking a slow river environment brings out their best behaviors.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- They are biparental substrate spawners, laying their adhesive eggs on flat rocks, wood, or inside caves. The parents aggressively defend the spawning site, eggs, and subsequent fry against all intruders. Breeding triggers often include large water changes and a high-protein diet. Raising the fry is relatively straightforward as the parents provide extended care and protection.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- They are moderately aggressive and highly territorial, especially during spawning periods. They are best kept with other similarly sized, robust cichlids or large fast-moving dither fish. Small, peaceful community fish will likely be bullied, attacked, or eaten. Providing plenty of visual barriers and separate territories reduces aggression in a mixed tank.
- Tank level
- Bottom
- They primarily inhabit the lower to middle levels of the water column. They spend a significant amount of time near the substrate, digging and rearranging the hardscape to their liking. Caves, driftwood tangles, and rock formations are essential to provide them with a sense of security. They will venture higher up during feeding time but quickly return to their established territories.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Trophic level
- 3.1 ± 0.5 se
- Resilience
- High (less than 15 months)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.625
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.0302, b = 3.03
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)
Image gallery
Licensed images linked to the species or, when marked, to the closest representative taxon.
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