| Rainbow cichlid | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Perciformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Subfamily: | Cichlasomatinae |
| Genus: | Archocentrus Pellegrin, 1904 |
| Species: | A. multispinosus |
| Binomial name | |
| Archocentrus multispinosus |
|
The rainbow cichlid (Archocentrus multispinosus) is a tropical freshwater Central American fish of the cichlid family. It was formerly the sole species of the genus Herotilapia, but has since been reclassified to the species Archocentrus, based on a study by Juan Schmitter-Soto.[1] However, a 2008 study led by Oldrich Rican suggested that the Rainbow Cichlid is actually more closely related to the Jack Dempsey (genus Rocio) and the cichlids of the genus Astatheros than to the other Archocentrus cichlids, and thus should be moved back to the genus Herotilapia.[2] This cichlid is native to both the Atlantic slope and the Pacific slope of Central America, ranging from Costa Rica to Honduras and Nicaragua. This species is found in lakes and swamps with muddy bottoms where it uses its specialized teeth, a defining characteristic of this monotypic genus, to feed on algae. The rainbow cichlid prefers a pH range of 7.0–8.0, water hardness of 9-20 dGH and a temperature range of 21–36 °C.
The rainbow cichlid is commercially important as an aquarium fish. As the name suggests, this is a brilliantly colored fish with a gold-orange body and iridescent hues. The rainbow cichlid can change colors rapidly according to its mood. Relatively small (9 centimeters) and quite peaceful compared to other Central American cichlids, it is a suitable and hardy fish for most aquariums. This cichlid is a substrate spawner. Adults pair up and defend their eggs and fry from other fish.