Cichlasoma istlanum

Cichlasoma istlanum is endemic to the Balsas river drainage on the Pacific slope of Mexico, one of the more isolated cichlid faunas of the country. Adults develop a greenish-grey body covered in rows of iridescent blue-green spots with dark lateral bars. It is a robust, medium-to-large cichlid with territorial habits typical of the genus. Due to its restricted range and limited collection, it remains uncommon in the hobby.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderate hardness (GH 8–20). Tank: 300L minimum; provide caves and large rocks for territory; sandy or gravel substrate. Feeding: Omnivore; cichlid pellets, large frozen foods, and occasional vegetable matter. Behaviour: Semi-aggressive and territorial; pairs form during breeding and defend large territories. Compatibility: Keep with similarly sized robust Central American cichlids in large tanks.