Data sheet rainbow cichlids
German name:
rainbow cichlids
Scientific name:
Herotilapia multispinosa
Origin:
Central America (Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua)
Size:
Body length up to 15 cm
Aquarium
Length:
Length from 150 cm width
Contents:
from 200 liters for 5 animals
water values
Temperature:
21°- 30° C
pH:
7 – 8
GH:
8° – 20° dH
Behave
Area:
lower and middle range
Lining:
Live food, plant food, algae, green flake food, peeled peas and cucumbers
Behave:
peaceful
Number:
in pairs
Difficulty level:
Beginner Klaus Rudloff, Herotilapia multispinosa, CC BY-SA 4.0
Keeping conditions for rainbow cichlids
Rainbow cichlids, Herotilapia multispinosa, are native to Central America. They are relatively robust. Unlike other cichlids, they are quite peaceful. A pair can be kept in a 60 liter tank with a few companion fish. A pair can be kept together with firemouth cichlids in a 100 liter tank with lots of root wood. 5 animals with companion fish can be kept in a 240 liter aquarium.
Aggressiveness is also limited during the spawning season. Some burrows are dug for the young, but not too much digging is done.
Plant food in the form of tender aquatic plants or green flake food is absolutely required. Like greenfin cichlids, they may otherwise care. Peeled peas and cucumbers are eaten with pleasure.
If they notice movement in front of the aquarium, they like to seek cover under shelters made of rocks or roots. Especially when someone is between a light source and the aquarium. So that they are not too jumpy, the aquarium can be darkened with large echinodorus or floating plants. Because almost all plants are nibbled on, fast-growing or robust plants make sense. In a 100 liter aquarium densely planted with Anubias containing a pair of rainbow cichlids, about half of the Anubias’ new shoots remained undamaged. Floating ferns proliferating on the water surface were not eaten.
Coloration can change quickly.
The coloring changes. Usually they are grayish yellow. The animals show their magnificent yellow color especially during reproduction and when threatening. The color varies very quickly from almost black to bright yellow. With subdued lighting, the flanks of the body shimmer somewhat in the colors of the rainbow. Before spawning they are yellow with some blue in the higher fins. In the brood plumage they are no longer yellowish in color, but almost black-lemon yellow with rainbow patterns; while feeding the young black. They are among the most beautiful ornamental fish species, especially when breeding. The colors are at their best when spawning.
gender differences
The sexes can only be recognized with difficulty. The sexes can be recognized most reliably by the genital papilla, as in the case of angelfish.
The difference can only be clearly seen when spawning. The female’s oviduct then enlarges somewhat. Females stay a little smaller. Early oviposition may affect growth. The fins are not shaped differently.