Water parameters
Overview
The flier cichlid takes its name from its tall body, resembling North America's sunfishes (Centrarchidae), and its broad fins carrying numerous spines. Its gray–brown or olive body has six or seven dark vertical bands; during breeding its colors darken noticeably. It lives in still, planted and muddy waters, especially around Lake Nicaragua.
Tank Setup
- At least 150 liters and 100 cm of length for a pair.
- Roots, caves and tough-leaved plants; dim corners.
- Sand substrate; it digs pits during breeding.
- Moderately hard, neutral to slightly alkaline water; 24–28°C is ideal.
- A 25–30% water change weekly.
Diet
Omnivorous. Make cichlid granules the staple; vary them with frozen bloodworms, mysis, brine shrimp and spirulina-based food. One or two small meals a day are enough.
Behavior and Compatibility
Relatively calm in daily life; during breeding the pair resolutely defends the area around the eggs.
Good companions: Central American cichlids of similar size (rainbow cichlid, Thorichthys species), large livebearers, barbs, plecos.
Avoid: small fish such as neons, shrimp, large aggressive cichlids.
A short profile for this species
The Flier 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