Rainbow Cichlid

Looks how to spot one

Small to medium, oval-bodied cichlid

A compact, rounded cichlid, usually yellowish with warm red and brown tones and a row of dark spots running from the eye to the tail. Most adults stay fairly small. Males tend to have more pointed dorsal and anal fins.31

Personality what they are like

One of the gentler Central American cichlids. Pairs defend their patch when breeding, but outside of that it gets along with many other fish of similar size.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderately active; spends much of its time grazing and sifting around the bottom and decor.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Straightforward to keep: regular partial water changes, good filtration and a varied diet. Flat stones such as slate give pairs a spawning site.1

Home where they are happiest

Minimum base of about 90 x 38 cm (around 100 litres). Temperature 22-28 °C in the aquarium (wild fish tolerate much warmer water), pH 7.0-8.0, hardness up to about 20 dGH.12

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Omnivore. In nature it eats lots of detritus and filamentous algae plus small invertebrates. In the aquarium a quality cichlid pellet with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp and some vegetable or spirulina flakes works well.123

Company who they like around

Forms monogamous pairs. Can share a tank with tetras, barbs, other peaceful cichlids, small plecos and doradid catfish.12

The story where it all began

Albert Günther named this cichlid in 1867, and in 1903 it was given its own genus, Herotilapia. Its gentle nature and modest size made it a good entry point for hobbyists curious about Central American cichlids.31

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List

Least Concern (assessed June 2019)2

Taxonomy

Described by Günther in 1867; placed in its own genus Herotilapia in 1903; family Cichlidae3