A peaceful, mildly gregarious 'eartheater' cichlid native to the Amazon and Essequibo River basins. Known for the distinctive black teardrop marking behind their gills and subtle, iridescent pastel coloration. Unlike many South American cichlids, they are remarkably gentle and thrive in small shoals. They require excellent water quality and a soft sand substrate to exhibit their natural sifting behavior.
Cupid Cichlid At a Glance
Cupid Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Cupid Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Cupid Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Cupid Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Cupid Cichlid Water Parameters
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Cupid Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Cupid Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
The standard form available in the hobby. Sexing juveniles and even sub-adults is exceptionally difficult. They should be purchased as a group of 5-8 to allow them to establish a natural social hierarchy and pair off if breeding is desired.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Juvenile
Cupid Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Cupid Cichlid, scientifically known as Biotodoma cupido, belongs to the Cichlids - South American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 12 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Cupid Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 29°C, with a pH range of 5–7 and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Cupid Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Cupid Cichlid is typically available in one standard form.
Cupid Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Cupid Cichlid, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, and leaf litter or blackwater tannins to replicate their natural soft-water habitat. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Cupid Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Cupid Cichlid is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, boisterous or fast-moving tankmates may cause this species undue stress. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Cupid Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Cupid Cichlid.
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
180 Gallon Standard
350 Liter (120cm Deep)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cupid Cichlid
How big does Cupid Cichlid get?
Cupid Cichlid (Biotodoma cupido) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 12 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Cupid Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 250 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Cupid Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Cupid Cichlid need?
Cupid Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–29°C, a pH between 5 and 7, and a general hardness of 1–8 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Cupid Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Cupid Cichlid is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Cupid Cichlid live alone?
No, Cupid Cichlid should be kept in groups of at least 5 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Cupid Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Cupid Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters), driftwood (digestion/hiding), and leaf litter/blackwater in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Top Tank Mates for Cupid Cichlid
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Cupid Cichlid based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Marbled Hatchetfish
Carnegiella strigata
Ideal Tank MatesClown Killifish
Epiplatys annulatus
Ideal Tank MatesDwarf Rasbora
Boraras maculatus
Ideal Tank MatesFestivum
Mesonauta festivus
Ideal Tank MatesDwarf Pencilfish
Nannostomus marginatus
Ideal Tank MatesFalse Glass Catfish
Kryptopterus macrocephalus
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Cupid Cichlid
These plants pair well with Cupid Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Cupid Cichlid
Three-striped Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma trifasciata
A stunning dwarf cichlid native to the Guaporé and Paraguay river basins in South America. They are renowned for their striking metallic blue sheen and the male's spectacular sail-like dorsal fin. As peaceful micropredators, they are excellent for planted community tanks, but require soft, acidic water, stable parameters, and a fine sand substrate to sift through.
Blue Sifter
Cribroheros robertsoni
A stunning Central American cichlid known for its iridescent turquoise speckling and unique earth-eating behavior. It constantly sifts substrate through its gills to forage, making soft sand absolutely mandatory to prevent gill damage. While mildly tempered compared to many Central American cichlids, it becomes highly territorial when breeding.
Dwarf Flag Cichlid
Laetacara curviceps
A small, colorful, and surprisingly peaceful dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon Basin. Known for their 'smiling' facial markings and iridescent blue/green flanks. Unlike many of their larger cousins, they are excellent community fish, though they may become mildly territorial when breeding.
Texas Cichlid
Herichthys cyanoguttatus
The Texas Cichlid is the only cichlid species native to the United States. Known for their striking pearlescent blue/green spots and extreme territorial behavior, they require large tanks and robust filtration. They are notorious for rearranging aquariums, digging massive pits, and destroying live plants.
Cockatoo Dwarf Cichlid
Apistogramma cacatuoides
A highly popular and vibrant dwarf cichlid native to the Amazon basin. Named for the male's flamboyant, crest-like dorsal fin. They are cave-spawners that require a fine sand substrate (which they sift through their gills) and plenty of hiding spots. While generally peaceful in community tanks, they become fiercely territorial when breeding.
Banded Apistogramma
Apistogramma bitaeniata
A stunning South American dwarf cichlid native to the blackwater streams of the Amazon basin. Known for their distinct dual lateral stripes, they are a bottom-dwelling species that requires soft, acidic water, sandy substrate, and complex environments with caves or leaf litter. They are generally peaceful in a community tank but highly territorial towards other bottom-dwellers, especially when breeding.