Cribroheros altifrons
With its strikingly thick, yellow lips and steep forehead, the adult Cribroheros altifrons have a striking appearance and are easily distinguishable from its cousins. Although the fish in our main photo has 5 cross bars, there are usually only 4 of them. The latter is often no more than a spot on the caudal peduncle. The melanophores in the lower part of the second band usually remain switched on creating the typical altifron characteristic, a triangular dark spot on their belly. We see the same (to a lesser extent) on the third and fourth band, but they are located at the top, against the dorsal fin. The fish in the photo shows split vertical bands. Furthermore, the fish has a usually indistinct pink-brown spot on the upper part of the gill covers.
Etymology: Cribroheros, this name is derived from the Latin noun crībrum, which means sieve. Crībrō itself means to sift or sieve. Heros is a hero in Latin. This name is therefore an allusion to the way of foraging. Altifrons means with high forehead.
Synonyms
Heros altifrons, Kner et al, 1863
Astronotus (Astronotus) altifrons, Eigenmann, 1893
Astronotus altifrons, Eigenmann et al, 1903
Heros (Heros) altifrons, Pellegrin, 1904
Cichlosoma altifrons, Regan, 1905
Astatheros altifrons, Jordan et al, 1930
Cichlasoma (Amphilophus) altifrons, Miller, 1966
Amphilophus altifrons, Kullander, 1996
Astatheros altifrons, Říčan et al, 2008
Cribroheros altifrons, Říčan et al, 2016
Origin
Costa Rica, Panama
Distribution
The distribution area of Cribroheros altifrons ranges from Rio Térraba and the Coto drainages from Costa Rica to the Rio Chiriqui system in Panama. In slow to faster-flowing waters with altitudes between 20 and 400 meters. They live in rivers and streams with a sandy, stony bottom and above the muddy substrate of the slow-flowing river bends. The distribution area of the Cribroheros altifrons may be considerably larger than is currently recognized (Sam Borstein 2011).
Behavior
Cribroheros altifrons is a fairly quiet, benthic living cichlid. Despite the fact that there are no indications that the species lives in social groups in nature, it is recommended for aquariums to keep the animals in groups, preferably even large groups (at least 6 animals), because solitary or when kept in too small a group can become very aggressive. The picking order in a larger group creates peace in the aquarium.
Diet
Cribroheros altifrons is an omnivorous sand sifter. This means that for their food supply, they are chewing sand with their heads down for much of the day. They are also described as “detritus eaters”, but I personally think that is expressed a bit too narrowly. Most cichlids do have a certain specialty to bridge nutrient-poor periods and it may be that Cribroheros altifrons does this with organic material of dubious origin. I think it goes too far to consider them as specialized detritus eaters.
The main reason that Cribroheros altifrons are in the mud all day long is primarily the larvae and nymphs of Diptera and Ephemeroptera, who live in the substrate. The head of the fish is also well adapted to this. Narrow, pointed, and with thick lips. In the aquarium, however, we can give the animals occasional vegetable food. They seem to like cooked peas.
Breeding Cribroheros altifrons
As the Cribroheros altifrons age a bit, the gender difference is clearly visible. The males grow larger and have an angular head profile. In the breeding season, the throat and part of the abdominal region (especially in the females) turn black. The fish display remarkable breeding behavior. Although they are open substrate brooders, they cover their eggs with sand. Then, unlike all other cichlids, they do not hover above their eggs, but hover about 20 to 30 centimeters further. They are likely to lead egg robbers astray.
The Aquarium
Decorate the aquarium with a sandy bottom and some boulders. Preferably keep Cribroheros altifrons in a large group (see behavior). The minimum aquarium size for such a group is 200 centimeters. Sink flakes by raking your fingers through the water surface. It is not a proven fact, but the common intestinal infections of sifters (Thorichthys, Amphilophus, Astatheros, Cribroheros) may be related to the fact that in aquariums they are often forced to take food from the water surface. This allows them to get large amounts of air and bacteria floating on the surface into their intestines, with all its consequences. Given the sensitivities mentioned, it is also better to feed a little more often but in smaller portions instead of one larger feed. This species is also sensitive to poor water quality. So do regular and large water changes.
Video
Author
Rene Beerlink – NVC
Copyright images
Hans
F. Ingemann Hansen – Akvariefotografen.com
Bruce Vandeweghe
References
Rudolf Kner and Franz Steindachner described this species in 1863 as Heros altifrons in “Ein Ubersicht der ichthyologische ausbeute der Hernn Professor Dr. Mor. Wagner in Central-Amerika”.
Literature
Hans A. Baensch, Dr. Rüdiger Riehl, 1987. Aquarien atlas band 2, blz 859
