SOUTH AMERICAN CICHLIDS.
Order Perciformes
Family Cichlidae
Subfamily ( Cichlasomatinae )
Genus Cichlasoma.
Initially, two generic names of this fish group had equal rights – Cichlasoma and Cichlaurus, which in turn were split into even smaller components. However, as a result of the revision carried out, priority remained with the first name. It was the genus Cichlasoma that prevailed in the aquarium literature of the past millennium, but revisions of recent decades have attempted to put everything in its place – the fish presented under the collective name cichlasoma were restored to the names from their original descriptions. In addition, completely new genera were identified. However, the old name – “cichlasoma”, denoting the entire group as a whole and numbering 15 genera, remained in use by both hobbyists and ichthyologists. It is customary to write it in quotation marks.
Below are listed the “Cichlasomas” whose representatives are found in the aquariums of cichlid enthusiasts: • Amphilophus; • Archocentrus; • Copora; • Hypsophrys; • Herichthys; • Heros; • Hypselecara; • Mesonauta; • Nandopsis; • Thorichthys; • Vieja; • Caquetaia; • Chuco; • Cichlasoma; • Theraps.
Almost all cichlasomas are deep-bodied fish characterized by interesting behavior and complex parental care. The sizes of the overwhelming majority of species range from 10 to 25 cm. There are also giants among them: Cichlasoma (Parachromis) managuense – 70 cm, Cichlasoma (Amphilophus) citrinellum – 30-35 cm, etc. As a rule, cichlasomas prefer neighbors close to them in size, and only individual species (Cichlasoma (Hypselecara) temporale) have a relatively peaceful disposition. Among them, there are also vicious fighters that get along poorly not only with conspecifics but also with relatives (Cichlasoma salvini, Cichlasoma (Caquetaia) kraussi).
In case of aggression outbreaks, it is better to separate the fish with a glass divider. Fish are territorial; pairs form at a young age from a group of fish. The degree of aggressiveness in defending territory depends on the species and increases significantly during the care of eggs and offspring. They inhabit the middle and lower water layers. Some species dig up the substrate and uproot plants. For group maintenance of cichlasomas, the aquarium capacity should not be less than 150 liters.
They are usually kept in a species aquarium or in an aquarium with other fish of this family. An aquarium with shelters made of stone structures and driftwood, stones with horizontally and inclined surfaces, caves, and vertically placed stones for dividing territories (the territory size depends on the aggressiveness of the species and the size of the fish; usually 40 cm of length is enough), and floating plants. The possibility of planting rooted plants in the substrate depends on the fish species. Aeration, powerful filtration, and regular water changes are mandatory. Small species mature in 7-12 months, large ones in 1.5-2 years.
A pair forms spontaneously from a group (5-8 spec.) of fish. The parents take turns guarding the eggs and fry, with the male taking a subordinate position. At this time, the fish fearlessly attack intruders, even those superior in size, who invade the guarded territory. Diet: live (including small fish), vegetable, substitutes. It is good to diversify the diet of cichlasomas with plant food. At all stages of life, live foods can be replaced with combined foods. Up to five months of age, juveniles have a different coloration from adult fish. Cichlasomas rarely get sick. Life expectancy in the aquarium is 10-20 years. dH 5-30°, pH 6-8, T 22-25, 30°C.
— Cichlasoma amazonarum [Kullander, 1983] — Amazon cichlasoma. Inhabits the rivers of the Amazon basin, Peru, Colombia, Brazil. 12 cm. Several spots create a longitudinal line, as well as 2-3 vertical light stripes. During spawning, the lower jaw and the lower part of the gill cover turn dark red. A calm, rather peaceful fish. Aggressive during the breeding period towards varieties of its own species when establishing territory. During spawning, males are so aggressive toward each other that one of them may be killed.
Aquarium with vegetation, rocks, and driftwood creating shelters. In a large aquarium, several pairs can be kept with visually separated territories. Water is soft and slightly acidic. Fed with good quality flakes and pellets, bloodworms (including frozen), and beef heart. Both parents care for the offspring; the female takes care of the eggs and fry, while the male guards the territory. Juveniles grow quickly. T 22-27°C; pH 6-7; dH 12-15°.
— Cichlasoma atromaculatum [Regan, 1912] — Black-spotted cichlasoma. Basins of the Atrato, Baudó, and San Juan rivers in northwestern Colombia. 30 cm. Body elongated. Coloration ranges from light beige to yellow-brown. Large black spots on the back and along the lateral line are remnants of juvenile striping. Sometimes, particularly in females during the spawning period, the stripes may appear more clearly. The ends of the dorsal and anal fins are elongated into filaments. During the spawning period, the coloration becomes darker. Females have a shorter and more rounded body; the black spots located on the back extend onto the dorsal fin. Fry have a protective striped coloration. Compatible with other cichlasomas and acaras. Feed on crustaceans, mollusks, small fish. Spawning is in pairs on an open substrate.
— Cichlasoma bimaculatum [Linnaeus, 1758] — Black acara, Brown acara, Two Spot Cichlid. Synonym: Acara portalegrensis. In northern South America, in the rivers of Guyana and Venezuela, in the Amazon River basin. 20 cm, in the aquarium 10-15 cm. Adults are brownish to dark green with two black spots in the middle of the body and on the caudal peduncle. A dark stripe runs from the gill covers to the central spot. Males are brighter, larger, and the tips of their dorsal and anal fins are extended into long filaments. During spawning, the unpaired fins of the fish become cherry-colored, and the eyes turn red.
In addition to size, this cichlasoma has another feature that, however, does not bring joy to aquarists: they very quickly dig up and eat most of the plants in the aquarium. They can be kept either in pairs or in groups. Sometimes partners begin to inflict severe injuries on each other for no reason at all. Therefore, their behavior must be constantly monitored. A separated pair occupies a certain territory, often terrorizing other inhabitants of the aquarium. Therefore, it is better to provide the breeding pair with a separate body of water with a capacity of at least 50 liters. Under poor keeping conditions and overfeeding, they fall ill with infectious dropsy. Mature in 10-15 months. dH 5-15°; pH 6.5-7.5; T 22-28°C.
— Cichlasoma boliviense [Kullander, 1983] — Bolivian cichlasoma. Bolivia, Peru, Río Mamoré, Río Guaporé rivers. 12 cm. Males are slightly larger and more colorful, with longer anal and dorsal fins. They are not the most aggressive of cichlids, but they can be kept with other cichlids of a similar size. This species is only suitable for communities with medium and large fish. Aquarium with many shelters made of tree roots and stone slabs. They will try to rearrange the aquarium design to their liking. Plants will be destroyed by them. Lifespan 5-8 years. pH 6.5-7.7; dH 5-16°; T 23-28°C.
Cichlasoma dimerus, Cichlasoma festae, Cichlasoma portalegrense.
Caquetaia kraussii, Caquetaia myersi, Caquetaia spectabilis, Caquetaia umbrifera. 
Last changes and additions were made on August 9, 2012.
