Cichlasoma mirificus

Cichlasoma mirificus inhabits the Orinoco drainage of Venezuela and Colombia, favouring slow-moving tributaries and flooded forest margins. It develops a robust, deep body marked with a series of dark vertical bars that fade and intensify with mood. Subtle gold iridescence on each scale creates a shimmering effect under aquarium lighting. Pairs form strong bonds and become particularly colourful and territorial when spawning. Soft, slightly acidic water replicating its blackwater origins brings out the best colouration.

Water: 24–29°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 4–15). Tank: Minimum 300L with driftwood, leaf litter, and caves; sand substrate preferred. Feeding: Omnivore; cichlid pellets, frozen bloodworm, prawn, and occasional vegetable matter. Breeding: Open spawner; pair clears a flat rock or pit; both parents guard eggs and fry actively. Compatibility: Keep with similarly sized robust South American cichlids; avoid small tankmates.