Haitian cichlid - Nandopsis haitiensis

Scientific name: Nandopsis haitiensis

Common name: Haitian cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 23 cm (7.87 - 9.06 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 16°N (71.43 - 285.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 28 °C (73.4 - 82.4°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Central America

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Haitian cichlids are omnivores and will accept all foods offered. There diet should a varied one and must include some vegetable matter.

Origin

Found in the rivers and Lakes of Haiti.

Sexing

Haitian cichlids can be hard fish to sex. The female genitalia is larger than the males and the females tend to be slightly smaller. Sometimes adult males will develop a nuchal hump on the forehead but not always.

Breeding

Getting these fish to pair is a hard task in itself. Sometimes the male will end up killing the female; the use of a tank divider is recommended in-between spawnings. The eggs will be laid on a flat surface, normally about 150 in a batch. The female will tend the fry for the first couple of months.

Lifespan

Expected lifespan will average 5 years.

Short description

Nandopsis haitiensis is a very aggressive cichlid so the tank should be arranged with décor to allow for territories. Any plants added to the tank will be destroyed by these fish.

Profile log

This page was updated on 28/09/2007. Tiger barb profile can be found here.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.