Biotoecus opercularis

Biotoecus opercularis

Biotoecus opercularis can reach a length of about 7 centimeters. When young they have a dull gray color. Once mature, they do not have the bright colors of some other cichlid species, but display a variety of iridescent colors on their bodies, ranging from violet/purple to yellow/green. Adults have a grayish base color with an iridescent violet/purple on the flank. In females, this color is more pronounced, especially around the belly region, as is the yellow/green on the gill cover. In the males, a row of metallic green spots stands out along the flank. Both males and females have a dark spot on the gill cover (this is what the name opercularis refers to). They also have 5 dark spots in their dorsal fin and a dark spot in the middle of the flank that is visible depending on the mood.

Origin

Rio Negro, Rio Jauaperi, Santarèm, Blackwater Amazon, Brazil.

The Aquarium

An aquarium of at least 80 centimeters is required for the Biotoecus opercularis. Furnish the tank with dense vegetation, driftwood, and stones so that sufficient caves and hiding places are created. The bottom should consist of fine sand.

Water

Temperature: 27-29 degrees Celsius. pH: 6-6.5 GH: 3-6

Diet

Small live food should be given as food such as daphnia, brine shrimp, cyclops, black and white mosquito. If the food is too big for the younger fish, you can scrape it down to make it smaller.

Character

The Biotoecus opercularis is a peaceful dwarf cichlid that is best kept as a harem in a special aquarium. The females each have a small territory within the large territory of the male.

Breeding Biotoecus opercularis

Breeding Biotoecus opercularis is quite simple, about 100 eggs are laid and fertilized in a cave. The female cares for and guards the clutch, and the male defends the territory. After 3 days the eggs hatch, and 4 days later the young swim around freely. The fry can be reared with brine shrimp nauplii.

Video

Author

Coby

Copyright images

F. Ingemann Hansen – Akvariefotografen.com Ben Lee – Amiidae.com