Cupid Cichlid - Wild Caught

Cupid Cichlid Care Guide

The Cupid Cichlid is a peaceful and stunning addition to a well-maintained aquarium. While generally gentle, they may become territorial during breeding. They thrive best in groups within a large, softwater aquarium featuring a sandy substrate.

Overview

• Scientific Name: Geophagus cupido
• Synonyms: Green Streaked Eartheater
• Distribution: Bolivia, Brazil, Guyana, and Peru
• Maximum Size: 13.5 cm (5.3")
• Temperature Range: 23-28°C
• Water Parameters: Soft, acidic water with a pH of 5.0-7.0 and hardness up to 12 dH
• Lighting: Dim lighting, or brighter if diffused with plants
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are larger, deeper-bodied, and develop extensions on the caudal and dorsal fins
• Compatibility: Best suited for specialist community tanks

Description & Habitat

Native to the calm pools and backwaters of the Amazon, Guyana, and Orinoco river systems, the Cupid Cichlid requires a well-established aquarium with specific care:

• Substrate: Use soft sand, as they enjoy sifting through it for food.
• Decor: Provide driftwood tangles, rocky caves, and hardy plants like Anubias or Java Fern secured to the wood.
• Filtration & Maintenance: Ensure efficient filtration with minimal water movement. They are highly sensitive to pollutants, so frequent small water changes are essential to maintain water quality.
• Behavior: These cichlids thrive in groups of 8 or more, allowing for natural hierarchies. Avoid pairing them with boisterous or overly aggressive tankmates.

Feeding

Cupid Cichlids are omnivores and require a varied diet:

• Staples: High-quality carnivore and herbivore flakes or sinking pellets.
• Supplements: Frozen foods like white mosquito larvae, bloodworms, brine shrimp, Mysis, and finely chopped prawns.

Breeding

Cupid Cichlids are bi-parental substrate spawners and exhibit fascinating breeding behavior:

• Triggering Spawning: Simulate the rainy season with slightly cooler water changes and increased current.
• Spawning Process:
  • Females clean a chosen site, typically flat rocks near the substrate.
  • Around 100 orange eggs are laid and fertilized.
  • The female tends to the eggs while the male patrols the perimeter.
• Incubation: Eggs hatch in 3-4 days, and fry are moved to pre-dug pits until yolk sacs are absorbed.
• Raising Fry: Once free-swimming, feed them baby brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii) and finely crushed flake food. Both parents care for the fry for approximately one month.