Biotodoma Cupido
Cupid Cichlid
Last update at: 04-08-2021 15:08
Species information
Biotodoma is a small genus of cichlids native to rivers in the Amazon, Orinoco and Essequibo basins in South America.
There are two currently recognized species in the genus, but additional cryptic species are known to exist.
Biotodoma cupido (Heckel, 1840) (green-streaked eartheater)
Biotodoma wavrini (J. P. Gosse, 1963) (Orinoco eartheater)
The Biotodoma cupido can reach a length of about 13 centimeters. This fish has a black vertical band across its eye. The body is colored golden brown, the belly is silver gray, the fins have a red glow. In adult fish, the fin rays have more color. The males have blue iridescent gloss stripes on the cheeks, the females have shiny spots here. Under the end of the dorsal fin they have a black spot.
Habitat information
Continent: South America
Country: Bolivia, Peru
Location: Recorded throughout much of the Amazon basin
The Biotodoma Cupido is recorded in most parts of the Amazon Basin, and its range extends eastward from the Ucayali system in Peru to the Tocantins drainage system, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean along with the deltas of the Amazon basin. The southern end of its range appears to be the Río Mamoré in Bolivia, a tributary of Rio Guaporé, and the Essequibo Basin in Guyana to the north.
The type of origin is "Rio Negro and Guapore in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil". The former is located in the Amazon state in northwestern Brazil, and the latter is in Rio Madeira, which is further south in the state of Mato Grosso. A tributary of the basin.
Certain elements of color patterns and external forms vary from region to region, and there have been suggestions for the existence of other species for many years, but so far it has not been officially confirmed.
The type locality that I kept was the "Rio Nannay" variant.
Given the extent of its natural range, this species is likely to be a generalist in the habitat, although heavy rain conditions may have been avoided. Due to the annual flood cycle that occurs throughout the Amazon region, many of its habitats will be affected by significant seasonal changes in water depth, turbidity, and flow.
Ideally a soft, sandy substrate should be used since members of this genus are largely benthophagous. Additional décor is largely a case of personal taste, but the most favoured set-ups tend to feature relatively dim lighting plus some chunks of driftwood and scattered roots or branches. One or two water-worn rocks can also be included to provide potential spawning sites if you wish.
Temperature
Tank
With their maximum size of about 13 cm they are perfect for a tank of about 120cm or higher. These fish do like to be kept in groups but for that you will need something bigger. The males are not particularly aggressive but they will keep their own territory.
Water parameters
PH: 5.0 - 7.5
Temperature
Breeding
Extra
I have kept these fish for a few years and must say I really enjoyed having them. They are really calm fish that do not attack other fish and their color can be amazing under the right conditions.