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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