Cupid Cichlid Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

The Cupid Cichlid, Biotodoma cupido, is an elegant South American earth-eating cichlid with a laterally compressed body, a pointed head and attractive blue-green iridescence. A dark spot on the side is often visible, while the fins may show blue, red and orange edging that becomes more pronounced when the fish is mature or displaying.

Cupid Cichlids come from northern South America, particularly the Amazon and Essequibo drainage systems of Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Guyana. They inhabit slow-moving rivers, tributaries, floodplain lakes and forest streams with sandy or muddy bottoms.

A group of Cupid Cichlids should have at least a 250-litre aquarium, with a footprint of about 120 cm by 45 cm or larger. Use soft, fine sand that can be safely sifted through the mouth, along with smooth stones, driftwood and sturdy plants around the edges. Leave open sandy areas for foraging, provide hiding places and maintain efficient filtration with gentle circulation and well-oxygenated water.

Males can reach about 13 cm (5.1 in), while females are usually smaller at approximately 10–11 cm (3.9–4.3 in).

Cupid Cichlids naturally sift mouthfuls of sand through their gills to find small invertebrates and other edible particles. Feed a varied diet based on quality sinking cichlid pellets or granules, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia and mosquito larvae. Occasional vegetable matter can also be included, but avoid relying on floating foods because these bottom-feeders prefer to feed from the substrate.

Cupid Cichlids are generally peaceful for their size and can live with similarly calm South American fish such as larger tetras, peaceful barbs, Corydoras, peaceful loricariids and other non-aggressive cichlids. Avoid very small fish that could be swallowed, fin-nippers and boisterous or highly territorial species. They become more defensive around a chosen spawning site, particularly when breeding.

Cupid Cichlids are substrate spawners that form pairs and lay their eggs on a smooth rock, piece of wood or other firm surface. The parents usually clean the chosen site before spawning, then both defend the eggs and tend the free-swimming fry. Offer broad, flat surfaces and excellent water quality, and separate the pair if tankmates threaten the brood. A group of young fish is the best way to allow compatible pairs to form naturally.

Males are typically larger and may develop longer, more extended dorsal and anal fins, with stronger colour and patterning. Females are generally shorter-bodied and less elaborately finned, although sexing young Cupid Cichlids can be difficult.