Does something like mythical fish still exist? If so, Cichlasoma ornatum from Colombia and Ecuador for sure belongs to that category. Despite the fact that the species is known to science since 1905 already, only very few specimens ever swam in the tanks of enthusiasts in Europe and the US. Most probably not even a dozen of aquaristis all over the world has ever seen that species alive. The reasons for that are not clear; the few descriptions by people who have seen this cichlid in breeding mood are simply enthusiastic regarding the fantastic colours the fish develop!
We have been able currently to import a small number of specimens, wild collected in Colombia. Maybe finally hobbyists are now successful to establish a breeding stock with these animals. The fish have a pretty coloration, but by far more interesting is the absolutely peaceful behaviour. In fact we cannot remember any species of the Cichlasoma relationship that is so peaceful. All our specimens swim together in the very same tank in our fishhouse without showing any aggression worth mentioning. And even in the small photography tank the pair behaved really gently.
Currently our fish are 6-10 cm long and should be just about mature. There is no well marked sexual dimorphism. The presumed females are a bit paler and have deeper bodies and shorter heads than the presumed males. Maximum size the species can reach is reported with about 30 cm in literature.
For our customers: the fish have code 657153 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade. Available in very limited numbers only!
Lexicon: Cichlasoma: means “with the body of a Cichla”; Cichla is another genus of cichlid. ornatum: means “decorated”.
Suggestion of a common name: Miracle Cichlid
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
| Angaben zum Tier | |
|---|---|
| Herkunft | Kolumbien / Colombia |
| Verfügbare Größe in cm | 8-10 |
