Cincelichthys bocourti

Cincelichthys bocourti is a large, robust cichlid from the Atlantic slope lowlands of Mexico and Guatemala, characterized by two prominent dark spots on its flanks — one behind the gill cover and one at the caudal peduncle. The body coloration is an attractive grey-olive with variable blue-green iridescent scaling, and breeding individuals develop orange-red suffusions on the lower body.

This is primarily a herbivorous species with powerful jaws designed for crop-style feeding on aquatic plants and algae in its natural habitat. In the aquarium, this means live plants will be consumed and should be replaced with silk or plastic alternatives, or avoided entirely. A high-fiber, plant-based diet is essential for digestive health.

C. bocourti can reach impressive sizes and requires a large aquarium. It is moderately aggressive — firmer than a typical community fish but less confrontational than species like Parachromis. With adequate space and territory structure, it can coexist with other large, robust Central American cichlids.

Water: 24–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0, GH 8–18, KH 4–12; moderate water quality; regular water changes. Tank: 600 L minimum for adults; avoid live plants; sand substrate, large rocks, driftwood. Feeding: Herbivore — algae wafers, spirulina pellets, blanched spinach, zucchini, peas; supplement with pellets. Breeding: Open substrate spawner; biparental guarding; moderate aggression toward tankmates during breeding. Compatibility: Large CA cichlids; avoid delicate or small species.