Scientific Name: Heros efasciatus

Please note – The image used above is for illustration purposes only; Size, colour and sex may vary. Many of our livestock species are sold as juveniles and have not yet reached their full size and colour potential. If you have any concerns about the size or colour of the livestock you wish to order, please contact our livestock team via our support centre before placing your order. Due to the large quantities of livestock orders daily, the livestock team will are unable to select fish / shrimp to meet specific gender or aesthetic needs.

Approximate purchase size : 5 - 6cm
All Pond Solutions will always endeavour to supply as close to the approximate size range as possible. Due to variations from suppliers on rare occasions this may not always be possible. Images used are to show the full potential of the fish when fully mature and are not always representative of juvenile specimens.

How easy are they to care for?
One of the most common and easy to care for Cichlids, generally very hardy and easy to care for

How large can they grow?
30cm

Where in the world are they from?
Widespread and found throughout the main channels of the Amazon

What is the ideal number to keep together?
Apart from when spawning will happily live in groups, pecking order may be established with the dominant adults.

What water conditions do they require?
Will accept temperatures from 20 - 28C and a pH range between 6.0 - 7.5.

What should you feed them?
Will happily accept a wide range of foods.

How compatible are they with other fish?
More than happy to live in a general community tank with medium to large sized fish not small enough to be seen as prey.

Can they be bred in captivity?
Be wary of Male aggression if spawning is attempted. It is best to raise a group of youngsters so a natural pair can form. Given a pairing they are generally quite easy to spawn, as with many Cichlids of this size spawning will occur on a smooth area such as a piece of slate. Parents will tend to the eggs and mouthbrood once hatched. Fry are generally quite large and can accept frozen foods straight away.