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Saddle Cichlid
An oval shaped cichlid with a large forehead. The body coloration is split at a lateral black stripe. Above the stripe the coloration is dusty-brown, while below the stripe the coloration is off-white. Some populations may have broad bands on the body, while others may not. There is an obvious black spot on the upper part of the caudal penuncle, and a duller one on the cheek. The cheek may have iridescent, worm-like markings. These cichlids can grow to lengths of up to 10" (25 cm). They are found in still and slow moving water throughout South America (Guyana, Venezuela, Brazil, Columbia, Peru). Several different populations are known to exist. They prefer the bottom to middle areas of the tank.
The Saddle Cichlid requires a tank with a capacity of 55 gallons (209 L). The Saddle Cichlid requires frequent, partial water changes to thrive. Provide open swimming areas with retreats and hiding places of wood, roots, and rocks. This cichlid will burrow, so only use well-rooted, hardy plants, if plants are desired. The water parameter should be pH 6-7.5 (6.7), dH 3-18 (6), with temperature of 73-81°F (23-27°C).
The Saddle Cichlid is a territorial fish that can be kept with other Aequidens and Cichlasoma species. Pairs form nuclear families and are excellent parents. Other tankmates include Cichlasomines from South and Central America, Pimelodids, Loricarids, Doradids, Silver Dollars, Pacus, Arawana.
They require a varieties of food that include live; fish, worms, shrimp, insect larvae; pellets; tablets
Differentiating between the sexes is difficult. Males are usually more colorful and have pointed anal and dorsal fins. Use water with a pH around 6.5, that has a hardness between 5-10 dH, and make frequent partial water changes. The female lays up to 1000 eggs on rocks and roots. The parents aggressively guard the fry, which hatch after 3-4 days and are free-swimming in 3-5 more. Start feeding with nauplii and roftiers. These cichlids are not easy to breed.
The Saddle Cichlid is eaten as a food fish in its natural habitat. Most fish available to the hobby are captive-bred, and have, as a result, lost some color. Wild-caught fish are rarely imported, but are a great find. The color of this fish depends on the habitat where it originated. These fish are also known to be an aggressive fish.
