The Brackish Tank • Cuban Cichlid/Biajaca Genus: Nandopsis Species:...

Cuban Cichlid/Biajaca
Genus: Nandopsis
Species: N. tetracanthus

See below for care details

Maximum Size: 8″, though some sources report up to 10″
Aggression: Mid to High
Temperature: 75-82 F
pH: 7.5-8.5
Hardness: 10-25 dH
Brackish Tolerance: 1.000-1.025
Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons
Feeding: High quality pellets, frozen shrimp/krill, pieces of frozen fish and shellfish, earthworms
Notes: The Cuban Cichlid is much like any other Central American cichlid; large, boisterous, and aggressive. Like other cichlids, they are individualistic and temperaments can vary from easy going (by Central American cichlid standards) to borderline psychotic and intolerant of all tankmates. When housing with other fish, it is good to have a separate tank where they can be moved to if things get rough.

As with other larger cichlids, they are also capable of breaking heaters and filter intakes; both should be protected while inside the tank. They are very likely shred, uproot, or consume live plants, though reportedly tougher plants (like Java Fern and Anubias) and floating plants (like Watersprite) may be left alone. Still, these are not fish to be placed in a carefully aquascaped tank. Rocks and driftwood are safe options for decorating, though.

Cuban Cichlids can be spawned in the home aquarium. The parents will protect the eggs and fry, moving them from the spawning site to pits they dig out, and continue looking after the fry until the pair spawns again. Once free-swimming, the fry are large enough to eat newly hatched brine shrimp.

Sources

Cichlids (family Cichlidae), Neale Monks

Cuban Cichlid, Biajaca, Aquatic Community

Nandopsis tetracanthus, Cichlid-Forum

(Image Source)