exCichlasoma tuyrense pair bonding . Note that the female ’ s dorsal blotch is displayed . Photo © Matthijs Meindertsma
exCichlasoma tuyrensis are a cichlid that you don ’ t see too often in aquarium circles . I believe the main reason is because they are regarded quite bland looking and would hold little interest compared with many other representatives of the CA cichlid world ? This shouldn ’ t always be the case as reading through other keepers experience with the cichlid ; shape and breeding behaviour are quite appealing in itself . Good quality adult specimens boast a lovely subtle colouration of pastel shades of light purple with dark mottled spots displayed upon the flanks . Reading up on other hobbyist experience with the fish is that they are quite placid cichlids , therefore should share the same company . If the fish becomes stressed , then it has been reported that they will likely succumb quite quickly .
Once settled and a compatible pair has developed , then spawning comes quite naturally . Sexual dimorphism is quite easy to spot as the female will be smaller , plus she will display a dark dorsal blotch , especially when spawning and during brood care . Males are generally heavier built with a steeper cranial profile . Spawning pairs are noted to turn a pale colour where faint barring will appear on the flanks and the throat and abdominal region turn a sooty black . An aquarium of 200 cm is recommended for an adult pair kept with other placid fish . Geophagus crassilibris are noted to live sympatric with C . tuyrensis and would make ideal tank mates . Decorate the aquarium with sand / gravel mix and plenty of wood roots . We can also add large rocks as they are substrate
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