Chameleon cichlid - Australoheros facetus
Scientific name: Australoheros facetus
Common name: Chameleon cichlid
Family: Cichlidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 26 cm (7.87 - 10.24 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.4 - 7
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 4 - 13°N (71.43 - 232.14ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 25 - 29 °C (77 - 84.2°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South America
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller
Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels
Food and feeding
Chameleon cichlid should accept all foods offered. A varied diet is essential so use quality cichlid pellets or flake but also provide live or frozen foods on a regular basis. Blood worms, brine shrimp and tubifex are ideal for Australoheros facetus.
Origin
South America; Chameleon cichlids are found from Southern Brazil to Argentina.
Sexing
Males will be larger than the females with extended finnage.
Breeding
Chameleon cichlids are fairly easy to breed, supply them with flat rocks in the tank to use as spawning sites and keep the water quality high. Once the eggs have hatched the parents will move the brood around the tank into various breeding pits. The fry can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp once free swimming.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Chameleon cichlid is 8 years.
Short description
Australoheros facetus are best kept in pairs. Add bogwood and rocks to create hiding places but do not add live plants as they are constantly burrowing in the substrate and will destroy them.