Butterfly Cichlid — a Cichlidae from Central America, assertive but manageable with space and structure. Reaches 12.4–18.2 cm; singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. 22–28 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
22–28 °C
pH
7–8
GH hardness
9–20 dGH
Adult length
12.4–18.2 cm
Minimum tank
397 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Assertive but manageable with space and structure
Origin
Central America
Species overview
Cichlidae species Hypsophrys nicaraguensis comes from Central America. Territory is its whole worldview; rocks arranged as walls calm what open water cannot. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 12.4–18.2 cm. Singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. Strong filtration, hardscape boundaries and a steady routine turn a brawler into a showpiece. Maintain 22–28 °C at pH 7–8. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
Native biotope
Habitat
Lakes and slow rivers with structure
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Sand with rock piles
Hardscape
Stones, caves and broken lines of sight
Plants
Hardy species that tolerate digging
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded
Diet
Accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety
Recommended tankmates
Other cichlids of similar size and temperament — Balance aggression across the tank
Avoid keeping with
Delicate planted-tank species — Uprooted and outcompeted
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Often striking; males larger and brighter
Breeding method
Cave or substrate spawner with prolonged parental care