Cupid Cichlid
The Cupid Cichlid is an elegant, deep-bodied eartheater-type cichlid marked by a dark lateral blotch, a diagonal eye-stripe, and iridescent blue-green speckling. It ranges across the Amazon and lower Orinoco basins, favouring slow, soft, tannin-stained waters over sandy substrates near submerged wood and leaf litter. It sifts fine sand for invertebrates, so a soft sand bed is essential to protect its gills and natural feeding behaviour. Generally peaceful outside spawning, it becomes territorial as a pair and is best housed with calm, mid-water dither fish rather than boisterous cichlids. Keep the water warm at 26-30 C, soft and acidic, with pristine conditions and low nitrate. Feed a varied omnivorous diet of frozen and live invertebrates plus quality sinking foods. Its sensitivity to water quality makes it a fish for experienced keepers.
Water parameters
| Temperature | 26 – 30 °C |
|---|---|
| pH | 5 – 7 |
| Carbonate hardness (KH) | 0 – 6 °dKH |
| General hardness (GH) | 1 – 10 °dGH |
Tank & stocking
| Minimum tank volume | 300 L |
|---|---|
| Volume budget per individual | 80 L — adds up with tank-mates |
“Minimum tank volume” is a reasonable floor, not an absolute limit. The per-individual budget is used by the Aqua app to estimate how heavily a tank is stocked.
Frequently asked questions
What size aquarium does Cupid Cichlid need?
Provide at least 300 litres to keep Cupid Cichlid in good conditions.
What water parameters does Cupid Cichlid need?
A temperature of 26–30 °C, pH 5–7.
Is Cupid Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Its temperament is semi-aggressive.
What does Cupid Cichlid eat?
Its diet: omnivore.
How big does Cupid Cichlid get?
Around 13 cm as an adult.
Is Cupid Cichlid suitable for beginners?
Care level: advanced.
Planning a tank with Cupid Cichlid?
AquaTender turns these parameters into live advice: it checks whether your tank is big enough, how heavily it's stocked, and whether your fish are compatible — then tracks water tests, photos and maintenance for you.
Fish from the same biotope
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