Amatitlania coatepeque

Amatitlania coatepeque is restricted to Lake Coatepeque, a deep volcanic crater lake in El Salvador. Its restricted distribution and limited availability in the hobby make it a prized find for cichlid specialists. It shares the typical Amatitlania body plan and behaviour but may exhibit subtle colour differences influenced by the lake's unique alkaline water chemistry. Captive propagation helps safeguard this species for future generations.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderate hardness (GH 8–20). Tank: 120L minimum; replicate crater lake conditions with rocky substrate and open water areas. Feeding: Omnivore; high-quality pellets, frozen foods, and occasional vegetable matter. Behaviour: Semi-aggressive; typical Amatitlania parental care; pairs defend territory during breeding. Compatibility: Best as a pair in a species tank or with similarly sized robust Central American cichlids.