Septentrionalis Cichlid

Retroculus septentrionalis is the only member of its genus found outside Brazil, inhabiting rocky rapids of Venezuelan Orinoco tributaries. It differs from its Brazilian relatives in having a somewhat more elongated body profile and a colour pattern that leans toward warm gold and dark contrasting bars. Like all Retroculus, it is a rheophilic cichlid requiring fast, well-oxygenated water.

This species is extraordinarily rare in captivity and essentially never reaches the general aquarium trade. Specimens occasionally appear through specialist importers or dedicated cichlid breeders. Its husbandry requirements mirror those of R. lapidifer and R. xinguensis: impeccably clean fast-flowing water, rocky substrate, and high dissolved oxygen.

As the most northerly and least studied Retroculus, R. septentrionalis is of special interest to cichlid taxonomists and enthusiasts alike. Keeping and documenting this species in captivity makes a genuine contribution to knowledge of the eartheater lineage.

Water: 26-30°C, pH 6.0-7.0, soft (2-8 dGH); extremely high dissolved oxygen; strong directional flow essential. Tank: Minimum 320L; smooth Orinoco-type river rocks, coarse sand; multiple powerheads for turbulent conditions. Feeding: Sinking pellets, live and frozen invertebrates; forages on rock biofilm and substrate. Breeding: Open rock spawner; biparental care presumed; no documented captive breeding records at time of writing. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; keep with large rheophilic Orinoco species; avoid slow-water fish.