Stalsberg's Cichlid

About

Found along the trans-Andean river systems draining to the Peruvian Pacific coast, Andinoacara stalsbergi is a medium-sized cichlid with a surprisingly broad tolerance for water chemistry. Wild populations have been collected from clear rocky rivers, turbid sandy lakes, and even a brackish coastal lagoon. A range of habitats that few cichlids could handle. That adaptability carries over into the aquarium, where this species copes well with hard, alkaline conditions that would stress many of its South American relatives. It shares its native waters with characins, livebearers, and eleotrid gobies, which gives some sense of the varied communities it naturally inhabits. In terms of appearance, it follows the classic Andinoacara body plan. A laterally compressed, deep-bodied cichlid with iridescent scale patterning typical of the group. Behavior-wise, expect the territorial tendencies common to most mid-sized New World cichlids, particularly around spawning time, so tankmates should be chosen with some thought. A 55-gallon tank is a reasonable starting point, with sandy substrate and some rock structure to mimic its natural habitat. This is an intermediate-level fish. Not especially demanding, but it rewards keepers who understand cichlid behavior and give it appropriate space.