Cuatro Cienegas Cichlid

Herichthys minckleyi is found only in the Cuatro Cienegas basin of Coahuila, Mexico — an isolated desert spring system of extraordinary biological significance. It is famous for exhibiting two distinct jaw morphologies ('molariform' for crushing molluscs and 'papilliform' for softer foods) within a single population, a classic example of resource polymorphism. As a critically endangered species, captive collections carry conservation value. Its water is highly mineralised and alkaline.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 7.5–8.5, hard water (GH 15–30) to replicate natural spring conditions. Tank: 300L minimum; rocky substrate with open sandy areas; high mineral content water. Feeding: Omnivore; varies with jaw morph — mollusc crushers need snails; all accept pellets and frozen food. Behaviour: Semi-aggressive; typical substrate-spawning cichlid pair behaviour; manageable for the genus. Compatibility: Can be kept with other robust Central American cichlids; monitor for aggression at spawning.