Theraps

Theraps
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Subfamily: Cichlasomatinae
Genus: Theraps
Günther, 1862
Type species
Theraps irregularis
Günther, 1862
Species

See below

Theraps is a small genus from the cichlidae family. They are endemic to North and Central America, ranging from Mexico to Honduras.

Species

There are currently eight recognized species in this genus:[1]

Aquarium Keeping

Theraps species are very territorial and aggressive towards others, especially during breeding. They may be kept in the same aquarium with other robust cichlids and catfish with varying success. For breeding or maintaining multiple specimens, a tank of 100 US gallons (380 L) or larger is recommended. Depending on fish size, a single specimen may be kept in a tank of 20 to 40 US gallons (76 to 151 L).

Omnivorous feeders, they eat a wide variety of insects, crustaceans, small fish, worms, algae, and plant material. As with many other cichlids, they may dig out or chew up aquarium plants. In aquaria prepared flake and pellet foods as well as frozen or live invertebrates will be readily consumed. Theraps sp. should also be offered a variety of steamed or boiled vegetables, such as peas, spinach, zucchini, lima beans, or brussels sprouts.

Theraps species lay several hundred eggs on flat stones, or in a pit in the sand or gravel. Mature adults are very attentive parents and may injure or kill other fish when guarding the young (fry). Males are often more colorful and generally larger than females, and may develop a hump on the head as they age. Captive breeding is not too difficult to achieve; live foods, frequent water changes, and a temperature increase or decrease of 2 to 4 degrees encourages spawning. Several artificial or rock caves for fish to hide from each other are advisable.

References

  1. ↑ Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2013). Species of Theraps in FishBase. April 2013 version.

External links