Chanchito Cichlid
Image: <a href="//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:CHUCAO" title="User:CHUCAO">CHUCAO</a> (CC BY-SA 3.0)
NameChanchito Cichlid
Scientific NameAustraloheros facetus
Common NamesChanchito, Chameleon Cichlid, Faceted Cichlid, Pearl Cichlid
FamilyCichlidae
OriginSouth America, Uruguay, Argentina, Southern Brazil
Temperamentsemi-aggressive
Dietomnivore
Care Levelintermediate
Minimum Tank Size (Gallons)55
Max Size (Inches)8
Water TypeFreshwater
Temperature Range (°F)68-77
pH Range6.5-7.5
Compatible SpeciesOther large, robust South American cichlids, Large armored catfish (e.g., Plecos), Large characins (e.g., Silver Dollars)
Description
The Chanchito Cichlid is a robust and adaptable South American cichlid known for its variable coloration, especially during breeding. It is a territorial fish that requires a spacious aquarium with plenty of hiding spots and can be semi-aggressive, particularly towards smaller or less assertive tankmates.
