Port Cichlid
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
An iridescent fish with full cichlid character and a great choice for beginning breeders. Aaron Norman
Overview
The Port Cichlid is stately fish, impressive with its high iridescence and beautifully reticulated finnage. It is a hardy species and an excellent choice for the beginner wanting to breed one of the larger cichlids.
Family: Cichlidae
Other common name(s):
Native range:
- South America
- Argentina
- Brazil
- La Plata River Basin
Habitat: In nature, this species will deposit its eggs on fallen plant leaves that can be moved when threatened by predators. It can be housed in a planted aquarium.
Maximum length: 15 cm (6 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 150 L (40 gal)
Water: Freshwater 22 °C (72 °F) - 26 °C (79 °F)
General swimming level: Throughout the aquarium.
Feeding
Omnivore. It can thrive on meaty prepared foods, but the inclusion of color-enhancing foods, such as freeze-dried krill and Spirulina-based foods, frozen bloodworms and chopped earthworms is strongly recommended to bring out their full iridescent colors.
Aquarium Compatibility
This is a relatively undemanding cichlid that will do well under good filtration and regular water changes. The Port Cichlid is a territorial, but peaceful, fish that can be combined in a community tank with other acaras, catfish, and smaller fishes in the upper swimming levels. Males may quarrel over territory, although little damage is done.
Breeding/Propagation
Port Cichlids are bi-parental substrate spawners that make exemplary parents. Acquire a group of at least four and let them pair up.
Notes
Provide lots of hiding places in the form of rocks, inverted flowerpots and driftwood.