Species profile
T-Bar Cichlid
Amatitlania sajica
Semi aggressive
Easy care
150 L minimum aquarium
8–12 cm adult size
Mid bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Medium-small Costa Rican cichlid with typical breeding territoriality. Provide rock/gravel structure, caves and good oxygenation rather than treating it as a placid dwarf cichlid.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
6.5–8
GH
Not yet documented
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate–high
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Mid bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
2
Usually manageable outside spawning but a bonded pair will defend a cave and surrounding area strongly. Avoid tiny fish and allow clear territorial boundaries.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Caution
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
150 L
Minimum footprint
90 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Amatitlania sajica
Alternative names
Sajica Cichlid, Cryptoheros sajica
Native range
Pacific-slope river systems of Costa Rica.
Natural habitat
Rivers and rivulets with moderate to strong current, avoiding true rapids; associated with smaller rocks and gravel.
Diet & feeding
Natural diet includes algal filaments, aquatic insects, seeds and bottom detritus. Offer a mixed omnivore/cichlid diet.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature males are generally larger with longer fins; breeding females show stronger body/abdominal colour. Venting is more dependable when uncertain.
Breeding
Cave/crevice spawner, laying eggs on an oblique or vertical surface. Both parents guard the brood; FishBase reports clutches around a few hundred eggs.