This fish probably represents the most interesting species of dwarf cichlids from Amazonia. Currently we were able to import it once more. B.opercularis is for sure not demanded due to its coloration. As typical sand cichlids they do not have pop-art colours, but shining pastel shades. The same phenomenon can be found in the sand dwelling cichlids of Lake Tanganyika. Nevertheless well adapted animals are really beautiful. Moreover our recently imported specimens (they came via Manaus) have brilliant orange ventral fins.
However, the aquarist’s interest in these fishes is not due to the attractive appearance of the fish, but due to their unique breeding behaviour. Every enthusiast should have once in a lifetime observed the male Biotoecus building up a hill from fine sand. Once this hill is erected, the male digs a pit and in this pit the fish spawn.
For our customers: the fish have code 634492 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Biotoecus: ancient Greek, means “house of life”. The authors of the genus believed Biotoecus to carry their young in their gills. opercularis: refers to the distinct black mark on the gill cover (Latin: operculum).
Suggestion of a common name: Sandhill dwarf cichlid
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Brasilien / Brazil |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 3-4 |
