Common Name: Cuban Cichlid, Cuban Jack, or Cuban Jaguar Cichlid
Origin: Native to Cuba, particularly found in rivers and lakes on the island, where they inhabit rocky areas with slow-moving waters.
Size:
Typically grows up to 10-12 inches (25-30 cm), although some individuals may reach up to 15 inches (38 cm).
Coloration:
Cuban Cichlids have a silver-gray or blue base color with dark vertical bars running across the body.
As they mature, males become more colorful, with their flanks displaying vivid iridescent hues of blue, green, and yellow.
Their dorsal fin can have blue-green hues, while the tail fin may show a reddish-orange color.
Females are usually less vibrant and have more muted colors compared to males.
Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons
Water Temperature:75-82°F (24-28°C)
pH:6.5-7.5
Diet: Carnivorous and omnivorous; they will accept a variety of foods, including high-quality pellets, flakes, live or frozen foods like brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, and small fish, as well as vegetables like spinach, zucchini, and lettuce.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive to aggressive, especially as they mature. While Cuban Cichlids can be relatively peaceful, they tend to become territorial and aggressive, particularly during breeding.
Compatibility: Best kept with other semi-aggressive to large robust fish like Cichlids (e.g., Jaguar Cichlids, Oscar Fish), Rainbowfish, or Barbs. They should not be kept with small or timid fish, as they may become targets of aggression.
Breeding:Egg-layers; they form strong pair bonds and are relatively easy to breed in captivity. The male courtship involves colorful displays and aggression toward potential threats. After spawning, both parents guard the eggs and fry. The fry can be fed infusoria or microworms.
Care Tips:
Provide a large tank with rocky structures, caves, and open swimming areas for the Cuban Cichlid to establish its territory.
Regular water changes and strong filtration are necessary, as they produce a lot of waste.
Slightly acidic to neutral water is ideal, so monitor the pH level.
Keep in mind their territorial nature, especially during breeding, and ensure other tank mates are large enough to avoid bullying.
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