Turquoise Cichlid (Cribroheros robertsoni)
Common Name: Turquoise Cichlid, Robertson's Cichlid
Scientific Name: Cribroheros robertsoni
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Central America
 
SPECIES OVERVIEW
The Turquoise Cichlid is an attractive Central American cichlid known for its shimmering blue-green to turquoise coloration and distinctive body patterning. Colouration can become particularly impressive as the fish matures and during breeding.
This is an active and robust species that spends much of its time exploring the aquarium and searching through the substrate for food. It is generally less aggressive than many larger Central American cichlids, although it can become territorial, particularly when spawning.
 
CARE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Aquarium Size: 250 Litres
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Water Level: All Levels
Diet: Omnivore
Activity: Active
Social Behaviour: Best kept as a compatible pair or group when young
WATER PARAMETERS
Temperature: 23–28°C
pH: 7.0–8.0
Hardness: Moderate to Hard
Maintain stable water conditions with good filtration and regular water changes.
 
AQUARIUM SETUP
Provide plenty of swimming space along with rockwork, caves, driftwood and other structures that can be used as territories and hiding areas.
A sand or fine-gravel substrate is recommended. Plants can be used, although they may be uprooted or disturbed as the fish dig and establish territories.
Good filtration and oxygenation are recommended, particularly in larger aquariums.
 
DIET & FEEDING
Turquoise Cichlids are omnivorous and benefit from a varied diet.
Suitable foods include:
High-quality cichlid pellets
Sinking granules
Cichlid flakes
Frozen bloodworms
Mysis shrimp
Brine shrimp
Krill
Vegetable-based foods
Feed moderate portions and avoid overfeeding.
 
TANKMATES
Turquoise Cichlids are best housed with appropriately sized fish that can tolerate their semi-aggressive nature.
Suitable tankmates include other robust Central American cichlids and similarly sized community fish.
Avoid very small, delicate or slow-moving fish, as well as extremely aggressive species that may cause excessive stress.
 
GROUP SIZE
Young Turquoise Cichlids can be kept in groups while they mature. As they reach adulthood, compatible pairs may form and become territorial.
A bonded pair can be maintained in a suitably large aquarium with sufficient space and separate territories.
 
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Turquoise Cichlids can reach approximately 20 cm in length and require a spacious aquarium as they mature.
Aggression can increase during breeding, so providing caves, visual barriers and plenty of territory is important.
With appropriate space, stable water conditions, good filtration and a varied diet, the Turquoise Cichlid makes an impressive addition to a larger Central American cichlid aquarium.