Sphenozona Cichlid

Guianacara sphenozona inhabits the Essequibo river drainage of Guyana and the Rio Branco drainage of northern Brazil. It is distinguished from congeners by a prominent wedge-shaped (sphenoid) dark blotch on the lateral line and subtle iridescent scaling across the flanks. The species occupies rocky and sandy river stretches with moderate current and clear water. A cave spawner with biparental brood care, it benefits from rock arrangements or driftwood structures that provide spawning caves alongside open sandy areas. It is moderately territorial during breeding but otherwise manageable in spacious aquaria. Soft, slightly acidic to neutral water conditions replicate its natural habitat well. A rewarding species for hobbyists interested in Guiana-shield biodiversity.

Water: Soft to moderately soft; pH 5.5–7.0, temperature 24–28 °C. Tank: 150 L+; rock caves, open sand, moderate flow. Feeding: Sinking pellets, frozen bloodworm, daphnia, artemia. Breeding: Cave spawner; biparental; separate pair for breeding if needed. Compatibility: Moderate; compatible with robust South American species of similar size.