Water parameters
Overview
The blue-eyed cichlid takes its name from its shimmering sky-blue eyes. Its yellowish–gray body has dark vertical bands and a black spot on the caudal peduncle; its scientific name also refers to this spot ("spotted tail"). Males reach 12 cm, while females stay smaller. It is in the same size class as the convict, but is usually considered somewhat milder and lives comfortably as a pair in a 120-liter aquarium.
Tank Setup
- At least 120 liters and 80–100 cm of length for a pair.
- Caves, flat stones and roots; sand substrate.
- Tough-leaved plants can hold up; it digs the substrate during breeding.
- Moderately hard water; change 25–30% weekly.
Diet
Omnivorous. Make cichlid granules the staple; vary them with frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis and spirulina-based food.
Behavior and Compatibility
Calm in daily life, territorial during breeding. The pair fiercely guards the area around its cave; male and female watch over the eggs and fry together.
Good companions: Central American cichlids of similar size (in a large aquarium), large livebearers, barbs, plecos.
Avoid: small and peaceful community fish, shrimp, large aggressive cichlids.
A short profile for this species
The Blue-eyed Cichlid page has the basics, but the sections below have not been written yet. If you keep this species, write a section from your own experience; it will be published under your name after editor approval.
Tank mates
This list is calculated automatically from the species profile and grows as new species are added to the catalog. Try it in the planner for a definite answer.
Usually compatible
Yellow Regal Peacock
Glass Tetra
Emerald Betta
Firemouth Cichlid
Buffalohead Cichlid
Chocolate Cichlid
Festivum
Rainbow Cichlid
Gymnogeophagus balzanii
Pearl Cichlid
Should not be kept together
Hobbyist notes
Things you won't find in books, learned by trial and error. The most helpful ones are on top.
Change history and contributors
- Page created · October 16, 2026