Data sheet eight-banded cichlid
German name:
Eight-banded cichlid / zebra cichlid
Scientific name:
Rocio octofasciata
Origin:
Honduras, southern Mexico, Guatemala
Size:
up to 20cm
Aquarium
Dimensions:
Length: from 120 cm / width: from 50 cm / content: from 240l
water values
Temperature:
22 to 26°C
GH:
10° to 15 dGH
pH:
6.5 to 7
Behave
Area:
lower to middle water range
Lining:
Behave:
Extremely aggressive, especially during the breeding season, active during the day, pulls out all plants, digs a lot
Number:
Group keeping of 5 fish
Difficulty level:
beginner fish
User:Zhyla, Cichlasoma octofasciata, CC BY-SA 3.0
The eight-banded cichlid is also known as the black-banded cichlid. This member of the Cichlidae (cichlid) family was formerly known by its Latin name Ciclasoma biocellatum. Before 1945 it was known as Ciclasoma nigrofasciatum. This name is now used solely for the zebra cichlid.
Because of their rough behavior, the fish are colloquially referred to as Jack Dempsey. Boxer Jack Dempsey was world heavyweight champion.
In their homeland, the fish are mainly found in slow-flowing waters or warm swamps.
gender differences
There are clear gender differences only when the animals have become sexually mature. They are then 7 to 8 cm long.
The Males are more intensely colored and larger. Their anal and dorsal fins are longer than those of females. In the males, the upper edge of the dorsal fin is deep dark red. In the females, this edge is colored light red.
breed
Breeding of the eight-banded cichlid is no problem. If the animals are kept in a group, even pairs that fit each other will be found. Since the Males particularly aggressive during the entire brood care period are, the pair should move to an extra tank. The male not only attacks rivals of his kind, he also pounces on non-specific fish.
The Water in the breeding tank can be up to 28 degrees to be warm. The fish prefer to spawn soft water. At values above 10°dH the hatching rate is lower. If the conditions in the tank are optimal, up to 700 larvae can hatch in one brood.
The tank should be planted. The perch will uproot the plants immediately. The hollows that are formed serve as accommodation for the hatched larvae.
The fish are open breeders. The females lay 500 to 800 eggs in batches on flat stones. They are then inseminated by the male. Both parents guard and care for the brood. The larvae hatch after 48 hours. They are reburied in the hollows. They stay there until they can swim freely. This takes four to five days.
The young fish get Artemia nauplii and dust food. Initially they are gray with some blue dots. As they get older, they get the colorful markings of the adult eight-banded cichlid.
socialization
These aggressive fish should only be in one species tank being held.
One Socializing is not recommended. If the fish are to be socialized, only other large cichlids, barbel, tetras or well-armoured catfish come into question. Smaller fish would end up on their menu.