Rainbow Cichlid
Herotilapia multispinosa
Cichlidae
About
The rainbow cichlid is a small, warm-toned Central American cichlid from the lakes and swampy lowlands of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, where it grazes algae and detritus with specialised tricuspid teeth. One of the most peaceful cichlids in its region, it forms devoted pairs, stays comfortably community-tolerant outside of breeding, and shows gold, olive and reddish hues that deepen with mood. Its calm nature and modest adult size make it an outstanding first Central American cichlid.
Care
Keep a bonded pair in a tank of 110 L or more with a soft sand bed, neutral to hard water and gentle flow. Peaceful for a Central American cichlid but territorial while breeding, when it may dig and unsettle loose plants.
Diet
Herbivore-leaning omnivore that grazes algae and detritus; base the diet on vegetable and spirulina foods with only occasional frozen protein.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (113)
Avoid (8)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.