- Rainbow cichlid
Taxobox
name = Rainbow cichlid
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis =Actinopterygii
ordo =Perciformes
familia =Cichlidae
genus = "Archocentrus"
genus_authority = Pellegrin, 1904
species = "A. multispinosus"
binomial = "Archocentrus multispinosus"
binomial authority = Günther 1867The rainbow cichlid ("Archocentrus multispinosus") is a
tropical freshwater Central America nfish of thecichlid family. It was formerly the sole species of the genus "Herotilapia", but has since been reclassified to the species "Archocentrus ", based on a study byJuan Schmitter-Soto .cite web|url=http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/item.php?news=1399|title=Convict and Jack Dempsey placed in new genera|accessdate=2008-06-27] This cichlid is native to both theAtlantic slope and thePacific slope of Central America, ranging fromCosta Rica toHonduras andNicaragua . This species is found in lakes and swamps with muddy bottoms where it uses its specialized teeth, a defining characteristic of thismonotypic genus, to feed on algae. The rainbow cichlid prefers apH range of 7.0–8.0, water hardness of 9-20dGH 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
centimeter s) 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.External links
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* [http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/h_multispinosa.php "Herotilapia multispinosa" "Rainbow Cichlid"] by Zeb Ernest. cichlid-forum.com
*References
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