A stunning, robust Central American cichlid known for its striking blue eyes, vertical barring, and metallic sheen. While generally considered less aggressive than its close cousin the Convict Cichlid, it is highly territorial during breeding. They form monogamous pairs and are excellent, albeit fierce, parents that will actively dig out spawning pits.
Cutteri Cichlid At a Glance
Cutteri Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Cutteri Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Cutteri Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Cutteri Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Cutteri Cichlid Water Parameters
Water care products
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Cutteri Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Cutteri Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males grow larger, develop a steeper forehead (nuchal hump) as they mature, and possess longer, more pointed dorsal and anal fins. Highly territorial when establishing a breeding site.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Male Cutteri, Bull
Female
Females stay smaller and generally display a distinct dark, metallic or black blotch on their dorsal fin. They are fiercely protective mothers and will violently defend fry alongside the male.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Cutteri
Cutteri Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Cutteri Cichlid, scientifically known as Amatitlania cutteri, belongs to the Cichlids - Central American family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 11 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Cutteri Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 114 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7–8 and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Cutteri Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Cutteri Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Cutteri Cichlid, a moderate 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, smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, and driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured and live planted layouts may be difficult to maintain, as this species tends to uproot or consume vegetation.
Cutteri Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Cutteri Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Cutteri Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Cutteri Cichlid.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
Cutteri Cichlid Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Cutteri Cichlid will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
Feeding products
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cutteri Cichlid
How big does Cutteri Cichlid get?
Cutteri Cichlid (Amatitlania cutteri) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 11 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Cutteri Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 114 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Cutteri Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Cutteri Cichlid need?
Cutteri Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–28°C, a pH between 7 and 8, and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Cutteri Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Cutteri Cichlid is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Cutteri Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Cutteri Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Cutteri Cichlid safe with shrimp?
No. Cutteri Cichlid is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Cutteri Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Cutteri Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters), smooth gravel (sensitive barbels), and driftwood (digestion/hiding) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Cutteri Cichlid
These plants pair well with Cutteri Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Belinda's Buce
Bucephalandra belindae
Buce Motleyana
Bucephalandra motleyana
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Dwarf Buce
Bucephalandra pygmaea
Fish Similar to Cutteri Cichlid
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.
Jack Dempsey
Rocio octofasciata
A robust, highly territorial Central American cichlid named after the aggressive 1920s boxer, William 'Jack' Dempsey. They exhibit beautiful iridescent blue, green, and gold spangling over a dark background. As aggressive diggers and plant destroyers, they require a tank with sturdy decor. They are best kept as a single wet pet or in a large tank with other similarly sized, robust Central American cichlids.
Blue Acara
Andinoacara pulcher
A stunning and relatively peaceful South American cichlid. While they possess classic cichlid traits—such as digging and territoriality during breeding—they are generally far more tolerant of tank mates than their larger cousins (like the Green Terror). They will, however, eagerly consume any fish small enough to fit in their mouths (like Neon Tetras).
Convict Cichlid
Amatitlania nigrofasciata
One of the most ubiquitous and hardy cichlids in the hobby. Named for their black-and-white prison stripe pattern, Convicts are infamous for their intense aggression, especially when breeding (which they do readily). They are intelligent, wet pets that rearrange their tank décor constantly. Best kept in species-only tanks or with other robust Central American cichlids.
Blue Point Cichlid
Andinoacara coeruleopunctatus
The Blue Point Cichlid (formerly Aequidens coeruleopunctatus) is a medium-sized Central and South American cichlid closely related to the Green Terror, but notably less aggressive. They are benthopelagic omnivores with a natural tendency to sift and dig through sandy substrates. While relatively peaceful for a cichlid of its size, it remains highly territorial during breeding and dominant males are completely intolerant of rival males.
African Jewel Cichlid
Hemichromis bimaculatus
A strikingly beautiful but notoriously aggressive West African riverine cichlid. Unlike the alkaline-loving Rift Lake cichlids (e.g., Mbuna), Jewel Cichlids prefer neutral, softer water parameters. They are renowned for their brilliant red breeding dress and iridescent blue spots, but also for their extreme territoriality, especially when forming pairs and spawning. They are avid diggers and will uproot most plants.