CENTRAL AMERICAN CICHLIDS.
Order Perciformes
Family Cichlidae
Subfamily ( Cichlasomatinae )
Genus Theraps.
— Theraps coeruleus [Stawikowski & Werner, 1987] — Blue Theraps. Synonym: Cichlasoma coeruleus. (Eng.: Blauer Buntbarsch). Southern Mexico, inhabits fast-flowing rivers. 12-15 cm, females are 2-3 cm smaller. Elongated body, extended caudal peduncle, short fins. The main background coloration is silvery bluish-gray.
A dark stripe consisting of 7 blue-black spots runs along the body. Vertical dark bands may also appear. Males are larger than females, have a deeper body, and are more brightly colored. Adult males develop a nuchal hump. Females have blue spots in the dorsal fin; during breeding, the body turns silvery-blue to black with silvery-white spots. During spawning, both parents turn paler with the emergence of dark bands on the body.
Active swimmers, they need swimming space. Not aggressive. In this species, females occupy and defend a territory and then invite males for spawning. Spawning occurs exclusively in caves and crevices. Sandy substrate with plenty of stones; they may dig under them during breeding. Therefore, it is very important that stones are firmly placed on the bottom. Driftwood is not essential for this fish and serves only decorative value. Under moderate lighting, their colors are much more appealing.
Chemical water parameters are not very critical. Weekly water changes are mandatory. A good water flow from the filter is desirable. It has a small mouth and requires easily digestible food (daphnia, Artemia, cyclops) and flake food. Plant components should be present in the diet. Eggs are laid in a cave or crevice. dH 9-20°; pH 7.0-8.0; T 24-27°C.
— Theraps godmanni [Gunther, 1862] — Godman’s Cichlid. Synonyms: Cichlasoma, Astronotus, Chuco, Heros, Herichthys, Vieja godmanni. (Eng.: Godman’s Cichlid, Southern Checkmark Cichlid). Guatemala, Rio Cahabon. 30 cm. Inhabits river biotopes with cool water and strong current. Has a beautiful red-orange body coloration with iridescent blue spots. There are color variations of red-dark brown without blue iridescent spots. They have a pronounced black spot behind the gill cover and on the tail. Adult males are more colorful with a massive forehead and are larger than females. Females have a dark throat when calm.
Initially, there are disputes over hierarchy establishment, but later they become more tolerant of each other. These large fish require a large aquarium with a height of 60 cm. Set up several boulders and pieces of driftwood to create hiding places. Can be kept with other large cichlids. The substrate should consist of sand. Lighting is best kept subdued, which makes them more colorful and less timid. Water values are not very critical; not too soft and acidic. A flowing water current should be provided. They eat all aquarium foods, but prefer coarse foods such as shrimp, pieces of fish, and dry pellet food. Breeding is not difficult; eggs are laid on a flat stone or piece of wood. The pair will defend the spawning site within their territory. pH 7.0-7.8; dH 10-19°; T 24-28°C.
Identification: Genus Theraps — Theraps coeruleus, godmanni.
— Theraps heterospila [Hubbs, 1936] — Candelaria Cichlid. Synonym: Cichlasoma heterospilum, Herichthys, Vieja heterospilus. (Eng.: Candelaria Cichlid, Montecristo cichlid). Mexico. 20 cm. A spacious aquarium with many stable hiding places is required. These fish behave very aggressively, especially if introduced into a cramped aquarium. As with all large cichlids, filtration must be very efficient.
— Theraps intermedius [Gunther, 1862] — Northern Checkmark Cichlid. Synonyms: Heros intermedius; Vieja, Herichthys, Theraps intermedium; Heros, Cichlasoma intermedium, angulifer, anguliferum, rectangulare; Acara, Heros rectangularis. (Eng.: Northern Checkmark Cichlid). Guatemala, Mexico, Grijalva and Usumacinta river basins, Lake Peten. 25 cm. The body features dark horizontal and vertical stripes dividing each other in half. Males are larger and slimmer than females; mature specimens have a massive forehead. The throat is reddish. Additionally, small black dots are scattered across the head and back. Males guard the territory. They feed on algae, plants, crustaceans, and small fish. pH 6-8.4.
— Theraps irregularis [Gunther, 1862] — Arroyo Cichlid. Synonyms: Cichlasoma irregulare, belone; Theraps belone. (Eng.: Arroyo Cichlid). Southeastern Mexico, Guatemala, Usumacinta, Sarstoon, and Dulce river basins. 22 cm. Elongated body, low-set mouth, extended caudal peduncle, short fins. The main background color of the body and fins is yellowish-gray, belly is light. A dark horizontal stripe runs along the body. Blue sparkles on the gill covers.
When excited, the coloration becomes brighter and more mottled — yellow with crimson and blue spots on the flanks, and irregular vertical black stripes appear. The male is larger than the female, has a deeper body, and more spangles on the snout and gill covers. Fish caught in the tributaries of the Usumacinta in Mexico are significantly brighter than specimens originating from Guatemalan waters.
Moderately aggressive. The aquarium is best decorated with large stones. Highly susceptible to stress, which can be caused by improper water parameters, transplantation to another aquarium, water changes, and overly aggressive tank mates. Require enhanced aeration. Spawning is in pairs, on an open substrate. In the absence of a large stone or similar object, the fish may spawn directly on the aquarium bottom. dH 15°; dKH 12°; pH 7.6; T 24-27°C.
— Theraps lentiginosus [Steindachner, 1864] — Freckled Cichlid. Synonyms: Cichlasoma, Heros lentiginosus; Theraps rheophilus. (Eng.: Big Blue Cichlid, Freckled Cichlid). Southern Mexico, Usumacinta River. Males up to 25 cm, females up to 20 cm. Coloration is light gray with small dark spots resembling freckles. Males have many spots, while females have fewer. Fins have a crimson and blue sheen. Males are larger. Females are less spotted, have an azure sheen, and a blue spot on the dorsal fin. Spawning coloration is light, with more distinct dark bands.
Aquarium with ample swimming space, plenty of hiding places so they can take refuge when frightened. Sandy substrate with driftwood, rocks, and boulders. Lighting should not be too bright. They are very sensitive to sudden water changes and may fall ill. Good water circulation and regular changes are necessary. Parents guard the eggs and fry. T 26-28°C.
— Theraps wesseli [Miller, 1996] — Wessels Cichlid. (Eng.: Wessels Cichlid). Honduras, fast-flowing rivers. Length about 10 cm. The main background color is golden-gray. Both males and females have narrow black stripes extending from the eyes to the base of the caudal fin. Above and below this stripe, there may be a golden line. The tips of the dorsal and anal fins are light blue. The tips of the dorsal and anal fins are white-blue.
During courtship, the body below the middle of the lateral stripe turns black in both sexes. This coloration starts a week before spawning and lasts until the fry leave the nest. Juveniles from 2.5 cm have the same coloration, becoming exact replicas of adults. Territorial. Aquarium with many hiding places. Very active when young, but later will hide in shelters. Very sensitive to nitrites, therefore regular water changes are required. pH 7.4-8.2; T 23-27°C.
Thorichthys affinis, Thorichthys aureus, Thorichthys callolepis.
Rocio octofasciata, Rocio octofasciata “Electric Blue Dempsy”. 
