Rainbow Cichlid- (Herotilpia multipinosa)
With its beautiful coloring and peaceful disposition, the rainbow cichlid makes a wonderful aquarium fish. It is a hardy Central American cichlid. At maturity, is only grows to about 3 inches. Females are smaller and are rather dull in color compared the the male.
They are also capable of changing their color according to their moods. Rainbow Cichlids are unique in that they possess tricuspid teeth. These 3 teeth have earned the multispinosa its own genus, Herotilapia.
Aquarium: Rainbow Cichlids require a minimum tank size of 50 gallons with a fine gravel bottom. Rocks, wood and pottery are needed for hiding places. Also hardy, well rooted plants are recommended.
It can easily be kept with other cichlids such as convicts, firemouths, and parrots.
Water should be neutral with soft to medium hardness. pH approximately 7.0 and dH 5-10 with temperature of 75-82 degrees. Regular, partial water changes of at least 20% are appreciated.
Breeding: Rainbow Cichlid partners will form lasting pairs and make a neuclear family. They take good care of their young, but may eat some of them. They are open breeders and the female will drop 300+ pinkish-tan eggs on rocks and roots. Then the female will circulate water over the eggs by fanning them with her fins carefully guarding them in pits. Both male and female will turn almost black during this time.
Feeding: The Rainbow Cichlid is an omnivore and will eat most prepared and frozen food, including freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex, and ocean plankton, as well as flake food and cichlid pellets. Although peas and spirulina are sufficient staples of a varied diet and are usually consumed with much enthusiasm…
