Rainbow Cichlid

Herotilapia multispinosa inhabits Central American rivers and lakes from Honduras to Costa Rica, favouring shallow weedy habitats. Unlike most Central American cichlids, it possesses tricuspid teeth adapted for feeding on algae and plant material, making it an unusually herbivorous cichlid. During spawning, both sexes flush with intense yellows, oranges, and reds. It is a cave-spawner that forms strong pair bonds and is one of the least aggressive CA cichlids available.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderate hardness (GH 8–18). Tank: 120L minimum; provide caves, planting, and visual barriers; tolerates a range of substrates. Feeding: Omnivore with herbivorous tendency; spirulina flakes, blanched vegetables, and quality cichlid pellets. Behaviour: One of the most peaceful CA cichlids; parental pairs may defend fry but rarely cause injury. Compatibility: Can be kept with a wide range of peaceful to semi-aggressive community fish of similar size.