Cupido Dwarf Eartheater (Orinoco Form)

Biotodoma cupido is a compact, jewel-like eartheater from Orinoco tributaries of Venezuela and Colombia. Its body is suffused with brilliant turquoise-green iridescence that shifts with angle of light, and a distinctive dark mid-lateral blotch provides contrast. Unlike many eartheaters it remains small enough for medium-sized aquaria, making it accessible to hobbyists with limited space. A delayed mouthbrooder, pairs bond loosely and will defend a spawning area with moderate conviction. Despite its small size it has the full eartheater behavioural repertoire of active sand sifting and burrowing. Provide fine sand, warm, soft water, and open areas. Compatible with calm, similarly sized companions such as medium tetras, dwarf cichlids, and small catfish. Sensitive to poor water quality; pristine filtration is recommended.

Water: Soft; pH 5.5–7.0, temperature 25–29 °C, clean water. Tank: 120 L+; fine sand, open areas, some driftwood. Feeding: Sinking pellets, frozen artemia, daphnia, cyclops, bloodworm. Breeding: Delayed mouthbrooder; loose pair bond; provide shelter for brooding fish. Compatibility: Peaceful with medium tetras, dwarf cichlids, and small calm catfish.