Care
The Cupid Cichlid is known from the calm pools and backwaters of the Amazon, Guyana, and Orinoco River systems. This species should be provided with a mature, softwater aquarium with a soft sandy substrate as they like to sift through the substrate for food items. Hiding places in the form of tangles of driftwood, rocky caves, and hardy planting (Anubias sp. or Java Fern tied to the wood) will all be appreciated. Filtration should be efficient but water movement not too vigorous. This species is especially sensitive to the build-up of pollutants, so small frequent water changes are a must to help keep nitrogenous waste to a minimum. Cupid Cichlids are generally peaceful when not breeding, and can be kept in good sized groups (8+) which will allow them to form a natural hierarchy. Tankmates can be of similar size and temperament, but avoid housing with boisterous species which may intimidate these gentle cichlids. May also be seen on sale as the Green Streaked Eartheater.
Feeding
Omnivorous and will accept most aquarium foods offered. Try to keep it varied with good quality carnivore and herbivore flakes, small sinking pellet foods, and a mixture of frozen foods such as white mosquito larvae, bloodworm, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis, and chopped prawns.
Breeding
Bi-parental substrate spawner. Mature pairs seem to be triggered into spawning by replicating the onset of the rainy season via a series of slightly cooler partial water changes and an increase in current. When ready to spawn, the female will clean a chosen spawning site, usually flat rocks near the substrate, and her ovipositor will become visible. Around 100 orange eggs are laid/fertilised, with the female then taking on brood care, and the male patrolling the perimeter. Incubation is approximately 3-4 days, and once hatched, the fry will be moved to a pre-dug pit for a few days until they absorb their yolk sacs. Once free-swimming, they can be offered baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) and crushed flake. Both parents take on care of the fry for a further month or so.
