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Archocentrus multispinosus getting ready to spawn.
The belly region of the fish will get noticeably darker
at this point.
Notes and Aquarium experiences:
Archocentrus multispinosus (Rainbow cichlid) is an
excellent fish for anyone wanting to get into Cen-
tral American cichlids. One of the smallest mem-
bers of centrals, behaviour, temperament and col-
our are very appealing. Not strictly a fish that dis-
plays every colour of the rainbow as the base col-
our is usually a orange/yellow depending on mood
and populations, but subtle greens and blues can
be picked out in good quality specimens.
Mature males will display a pointed dorsal edge,
while females appear rounder and smaller. Juve-
nile fish are much harder to sex. In the aquarium
they are ideal as they are fairly peaceful (except
when spawning) and will tolerate some plants and
different water conditions. They are quite adapta-
ble at lower acidic pH ranges from as low as 6.5,
although adaptable, good water quality shouldn't
be skimped on. A good water and temperature
range is medium hard water with a pH range be-
tween 7-8 and temp around 25c - 28c. Although a
fairly easy fish to spawn, higher temperature
ranges will stimulate them.
Archocentrus multispinosus are great little fish to
keep and certainly overlooked, pick a group up if
you can, you won't be disappointed!
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