Flier Cichlid

Archocentrus centrarchus is widely distributed across Atlantic-draining rivers of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. It has a relatively deep, laterally compressed body covered in a pattern of dark spots arranged in rows and crossed by faint vertical bars. It is one of the more peaceful Central American cichlids and can be kept with other species more readily than many. Pairs readily spawn in captivity and make attentive parents.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderate hardness (GH 8–18). Tank: 150L minimum; provide caves and driftwood; sandy or fine gravel substrate. Feeding: Omnivore; cichlid pellets, frozen foods, and vegetable supplements. Behaviour: Semi-aggressive; one of the calmer CA cichlids; pairs defend fry but not excessively. Compatibility: Can be kept with other medium-sized cichlids and robust community fish in larger tanks.