Species profile
Cupid Cichlid
Biotodoma cupido
Peaceful
Moderate care
300 L minimum aquarium
10–15 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
A social, relatively peaceful eartheater. Keep a group in a long tank rather than a lone fish in a small cichlid setup.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
25–29 °C
pH
5–7
GH
1–10 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Tiny fry
Bioload factor
2
Generally peaceful and best in a group. Pair formation can produce local territoriality, so generous floor area and sight breaks are valuable.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
6–10 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
300 L
Minimum footprint
150 × 50 cm
Accepted scientific name
Biotodoma cupido
Alternative names
Cupid Cichlid, Greenstreaked Eartheater
Native range
Amazon and Orinoco basins in South America.
Natural habitat
Soft-water rivers and flooded margins with sand, leaf litter, wood and open foraging areas. Fine sand is important because the fish sifts substrate while feeding.
Diet & feeding
Benthic omnivore/micro-predator. Feed quality sinking foods plus small crustaceans, worms and insect-based frozen/live foods; several small meals suit their foraging style.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexual dimorphism is subtle. Mature females may be fuller; pair behaviour and breeding condition are more reliable than fin-shape guesses.
Breeding
Biparental substrate spawner. A pair prepares a spawning site and guards eggs/fry; breeding fish become more territorial than non-breeding groups.