Description
Geographic Range: Native to South America, specifically found in the upper Amazon River basin in Brazil and Peru.
Diet: Omnivorous; feed a varied diet including high-quality flakes, pellets, and live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Also, appreciates vegetable matter in its diet.
Average Adult Size: 6-8 inches (15-20 centimeters)
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons for a small group; larger tanks are recommended for a community setup.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive; can be territorial, especially during breeding. Best kept in a species tank or with other robust, similarly-sized cichlids.
Recommended Water Parameters:
pH: 6.0-7.5
Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
Hardness: 5-15 dH
Ammonia: 0ppm
Nitrite: 0ppm
Nitrate: Under 20ppm