Cincelichthys pearsei – Pantano Cichlid
Cincelichthys pearsei was first described by Carl Leavitt Hubbs in 1936. The family to which this fish belongs is the Cichlidae, a large family of freshwater fish that consists of about 3000 species. The genus Cincelichthys contains only two species: Cincelichthys pearsei and Cincelichthys bocourti. Their common name is Pantano Cichlid.
The genus name Cincelichthys can be broken down into two parts: “Cincel” is Spanish for chisel, referring to the chisel-like teeth of the fish. “Ichthys” is Greek for fish. The species name pearsei refers to Arthur Sperry Pearse (1877-1956), a zoologist and leader of the Yucatán expedition during which the type specimen was collected. Pearse was an “explorer of many lands and many fields of science”
Synonyms: Herichthys pearsei, Cichlasoma pearsei.
Description
General description:
Cincelichthys pearsei has a high-backed, almost round body shape. The head is bullous and the color varies from yellowish to greenish-turquoise on the upper side, while the underside is dark brown to reddish brown. The fins are long and end shortly before the caudal fin, with iridescent yellow-green tips. This fish can reach a length of up to 45 centimeters.
There are 2 varieties of this fish, a variety from Mexico and a variety from Guatemala. The variety from Guatemala is more slenderly built, has only a black belly and no stripe pattern, the base color is predominantly green. In Mexico there are 2 color varieties, one has a black belly and black vertical stripes and a black spot on the tail root, its base color is predominantly yellow, but can vary from gray-green to bright yellow-green.
Differences between males and females:
Males are more robust and have a steeper forehead. During the mating season, the colors of both sexes can become more intense. Females are generally smaller and less coarsely built.
Behavior and temperament:
Cincelichthys pearsei is a calm and peaceful fish that can even be tame. They usually live in pairs or small groups and are not shy. They are bottom dwellers and often swim in the middle waters.
Life expectancy:
In the wild they can live to be around 18 years old, and in a well maintained aquarium they can reach a similar age.
Biotope
Natural distribution:
Cincelichthys pearsei is native to Mexico and Guatemala, mainly in the Rio Tulija, Rio Usumacinta, Rio Candelaria, and Rio Lacanjah.
Habitat:
They live in rivers and lakes with lots of underwater vegetation and vegetation along the banks. The bottom is usually sand or fine gravel. They can also be found in brackish waters, although it is unknown how long they can tolerate these conditions.
Climate:
They live in a tropical climate with fluctuating temperatures and seasonal flooding
Diet
In the wild:
Cincelichthys pearsei is an omnivore, feeding on small invertebrates, insects, and plant material.
In the aquarium:
In the aquarium they should be fed a varied diet of high-quality dry food, frozen food such as artemia and mosquito larvae, and vegetable food such as spirulina, spinach and peas. As they get older they will need more green food.
Do Not Feed:
Avoid feeding foods that are too fatty or too rich in animal protein, such as beef
The Aquarium
Aquarium size:
A minimum 250cm aquarium is required for a pair of Cincelichthys pearsei. For multiple pairs, an even larger aquarium is required.
Decoration:
The aquarium should be decorated with lots of rocks and driftwood, and a sandy bottom. Plants can be added, but these are often seen as food.
Water parameters:
The ideal water parameters are a pH of 7.5-8.5, a temperature of 24-30°C, and a hardness of 3-14 dGH.
Suitable tank mates:
They can live well with other peaceful cichlids such as Maskaheros argenteus , Parachromis managuensis , and Vieja melanurus .
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
Breeding Cincelichthys pearsei is quite difficult. A special breeding tank is not necessary, but sufficient space and the right water quality are crucial. The water should be around 27°C. The fish should be conditioned with a varied diet of live and frozen food. It is not necessary to temporarily separate the male and female.
The spawn
During spawning, the fish’s colors become more intense. The mating ritual involves cleaning a flat rock or root, on which the eggs are laid. Mating usually takes place in the morning.
The eggs are clay-colored and quite large. A female can lay hundreds of eggs.
Raising the fry
The eggs hatch after about 5 days, and the young begin to swim freely after another 5 days.
Both parents care for the young, with the female guarding the eggs and the male defending the territory. The young can be fed with dust food or artemia nauplii
Particularities
Cincelichthys pearsei is one of the more peaceful large cichlids from Central America and can be tame. They have a unique color variation depending on their geographic location, with different color patterns in Mexico and Guatemala.
Conclusion
Cincelichthys pearsei is a beautiful and peaceful cichlid suitable for advanced aquarium enthusiasts. They require a large aquarium and specific water conditions, but their peaceful nature and interesting behavior make them a valuable addition to a well-maintained aquarium.
Although they are difficult to breed, they offer great rewards for those willing to give the necessary care and attention. Their unique color variations and docile nature make them a fascinating species to keep.
Video
Auteurs
John de Lange
Coby
Copyright images
Lee Nuttall
John de Lange
