The small cichlid Biotodoma cupido – the species can attain a maximum length of about 12-15 cm, but is sexually mature already at 6-8 cm total length – is probably the species of cichlid with the widest distribution in Amazonia. However, experts are merrily discordant wether all the different looking populations represent only varieties of the same species or represent different species on their own.
May that be as it is: the specimens originating from the vicinity of Iquitos in Peru can be easily recognized by the large, bronce- or copper-colored spot that is exhibited by the male and that makes the fish very attractive. Females lack this spot and sometimes have also a differently-shaped dorsal spot. We have a video of our current import online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZFRAksTFew
The fish are very peaceful – except when they start breeding. Then the openbrooding species becomes very aggressive against tankmates. These fish prefer water with some current in the wild. Otherwise they are very adaptive and some populations of Biotodoma can be found even in tidal zones.
For our customers: the animals have code 634005 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Lexicon: Biotodoma: means “house of life”; formerly scientists believed the species would be mouthbrooding. cupido: after a Roman God of love.
Common name: Cupido cichlid.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
