Cupid Cichlid
Biotodoma cupido
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.
Cupid Cichlid Water Parameters
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.
Who Cupid Cichlid Is Actually For
Cupid Cichlid is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 5. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Cupid Cichlid like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
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)
Show 1 more tank size
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.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 4, 2026
- Last updated
- May 4, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
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 MatesRaspy River Stingray
Potamotrygon scobina
Ideal Tank MatesTiger Pleco (L002)
Panaqolus sp. L002
Ideal Tank MatesStarlight Bristlenose Pleco (L183)
Ancistrus dolichopterus
Ideal Tank MatesSpotted Raphael Catfish
Agamyxis pectinifrons
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
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis
Gymnogeophagus meridionalis
A stunning subtropical 'eartheater' cichlid native to the Uruguay River basin. Unlike typical Amazonian cichlids, they are temperate and benefit from a seasonal winter cooling period. As their name implies, they continuously sift the substrate for benthic invertebrates, making a soft sand substrate an absolute necessity to prevent mouth and gill damage. While generally peaceful for a cichlid, they become fiercely territorial during breeding.
Stripefin Eartheater
Gymnogeophagus rhabdotus
A beautifully spangled subtropical eartheater native to Uruguay and southern Brazil. Unlike tropical South American cichlids, they thrive in cooler water and optimally require a winter 'cool down' period (below 20°C) to simulate their natural seasonal cycle, promoting long-term health and breeding. As eartheaters, they constantly sift the substrate for food, meaning soft sand is an absolute requirement to prevent gill damage.
Uruguayan Eartheater
Gymnogeophagus australis
A beautiful, subtropical eartheating cichlid from the Uruguay River basin. They constantly sift sand for food and are generally peaceful but territorial during breeding. Crucially, they require a cool 'winter' period (15-20°C) to thrive long-term; keeping them at year-round tropical temperatures will drastically shorten their lifespan and cause them to lose color.
Pearl Eartheater
Geophagus brasiliensis
A robust, highly adaptable South American cichlid known for its iridescent pearl-like spangling. While classified as an 'eartheater' (sifting sand for food), they are less obligate sifters than other Geophagus species but still require a soft sand substrate. They are surprisingly tolerant of cooler water and even brackish conditions. They are aggressive for eartheaters, especially when breeding.
Red Striped Eartheater
Geophagus surinamensis
A large, relatively peaceful South American cichlid famous for its 'earth-eating' behavior. They constantly sift fine sand through their gills to forage for benthic invertebrates. A soft sand substrate is absolutely mandatory for their long-term health to prevent gill damage and stress. While gregarious and best kept in groups, they establish a strict pecking order.
Jurupari Eartheater
Satanoperca jurupari
The Jurupari Eartheater is a remarkably peaceful South American cichlid famous for its continuous substrate-sifting behavior. They require a fine sand substrate to thrive and prevent damage to their delicate gills. Unlike highly aggressive cichlids, they are gentle giants that prefer the company of their own kind in a large, uncrowded community of similar-sized peaceful fish.