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Rainbow Cichlid (Herotilapia multispinosa)
Rainbow Cichlid
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Please Note: Due to variations within species, your item may not look identical to the image provided. Approximate size range may also vary between individual specimen.
Rainbow Cichlid (Herotilapia multispinosa)

Quick Stats

Care Level Moderate
Temperament Semi-aggressive
Color Form Yellow
Diet Omnivore
Water Conditions 72-77° F, KH 9-20, pH 6.5-8.0
Max. Size 5"
Family Cichlidae
Minimum Tank Size 50 gallons
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information
Care Level Moderate
Temperament Semi-aggressive
Color Form Yellow
Diet Omnivore
Water Conditions 72-77° F, KH 9-20, pH 6.5-8.0
Max. Size 5"
Family Cichlidae
Minimum Tank Size 50 gallons
Compatibility View Chart
What do these Quick Stats mean? Click here for more information

Overview

The Rainbow Cichlid is capable of altering colors according to its moods. The background color is a lemon yellow to golden color, with a horizontal black bar running from just behind the eyes to the base of the caudal fin. When showing its most brilliant coloration, usually during breeding, the scales may have alternating rows of blue on the latter half of the body and the edges of the anal, pectoral, and dorsal fins, and may also have a brilliant blue tint. The Rainbow Cichlid, Herotilapia multispinosa genus is monotypic, meaning it is the only species in this genus.

The Rainbow Cichlid requires a minimum tank of 50 gallons with a fine gravel bottom, and rocks and roots for hiding. Hardy, well-rooted plants are recommended, as well as upturned pots and shards for additional hiding places. The Rainbow Cichlid does not usually burrow, so most plantscapes should stay in place. They are a peaceful fish that is territorial and rarely aggressive, except during spawning. It can easily be kept with other medium-sized cichlids such as Convicts, Firemouths, and Parrots.

It is difficult to differentiate between the male and female Rainbow Cichlid. The male tends to be larger and longer with pointed anal and dorsal fins. The female has a short ovipositor. They will form lasting pairs and make a nuclear family. The fry are usually well cared for, but the parents may eat some of them. Water should be neutral with soft to medium hardness, (pH approximately 7.0, dH 5-10) and a temperature of 79-81°F. Rainbow Cichlids are open breeders and the female will drop from 600-1,000 eggs on rocks and roots. The female who will circulate water over the eggs by fanning them with her fins, carefully guarding them in pits.

Rainbow Cichlids are omnivores, and will eat most prepared and frozen foods, including freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and ocean plankton, as well as flake food and Cichlid pellets.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1-1/2" to 2"

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