Seven Stripe Cichlid

This cichlid, which remains small, can often be recognized by having two dark spots on the flank. One in the middle of the body (actually the middle of the third band) and the second on the caudal peduncle (the seventh band). Amatitlania septemfasciata are sexually dimorphic, that is, the sexes look different.

The males are larger (10 centimetres standard length) and have (depending on the location) a reddish or yellow belly side. These colours are also often found in the base of the dorsal fin. The ventral side of the man is also decorated with sky-blue scales. In females, this blue is even the basic colour of the ventral part (head and belly). Above this, the female often shows a golden yellow zone that can extend from the gill covers to the beginning of the caudal peduncle. The females have a dorsal fin spot with this golden yellow colour repeating in between.

The females do not grow larger than 7 centimetres. During the mating season, the female’s colour pattern changes dramatically. Then it is mainly the black and white tones that predominate.

• Species – Amatitlania septemfasciata
• Common Name – Seven Stripe
• Origin – Costa Rica
• Diet – Omnivores
• PH Range – 7 – 8
• Temperature – Tropical 26°c – 30°c
• Breed Type – Egg Layer
• Maximum Size – approximately 10cm
• Sex – Un-sexed