CENTRAL AMERICAN CICHLIDS.
Order Perciformes
Family Cichlidae
Subfamily ( Cichlasomatinae )
Genus Archocentrus.
Some species from the genus Archocentrus have been reassigned to the new genus Cryptoheros.
— Archocentrus centrarchus [Gill & Bansford, 1877] — Flier Cichlid. Synonyms: Cichlasoma, Herichthys, Heros centrarchus. (Eng.: Flier Cichlid, Green Fin Cichlid). Nicaragua, Costa Rica. 10-15 cm. The main yellowish background features dark, uneven vertical stripes. During spawning, they change color dramatically, showing transverse coal-black stripes on a dark gray background. Not very aggressive. Provide an aquarium with plenty of caves and hiding places for females, otherwise the male may kill the female. Do not keep with small fish in small tanks.
Prefer lower water levels. They like clean water, so good filtration and regular water changes are necessary. When preparing for spawning, the female cleans a surface inside a cave made of flat stones, while the male digs pits in the territory around the cave, uprooting plants in the process. Caring parents. Fry grow quickly. Lifespan up to 8 years. pH 7.0-8.2; dH 5-15°; T 22-27°C.
— Archocentrus spinosissimus [Vaillant & Pellegrin, 1902] — Spiny Cichlid. Synonym: Cichlasoma, Heros spinosissimus. (Eng.: Spiny Cichlid, Spiney Cichlid, Spinner Cichlid, Spinos Cichlid). Guatemala. 12 cm, females are smaller. Adults combine violet, purple, and green to golden shades. Contrasting black spots and dots are scattered across the bright body.
The least aggressive cichlid of this genus. This fish is very shy, not even aggressive among themselves, so an aquarium with plenty of hiding places is needed. Floating plants on the water surface. These fish are good parents. Eggs are laid on hard vertical surfaces. Lifespan up to 10 years. pH 7.0-7.6; T 23-26°C.
Cichlasoma beani, Cichlasoma bocourti, Cichlasoma grammodes, Cichlasoma istlanum.
Amphilophus robertsoni, sagittae, xiloaensis, zaliosus. 
