Cupid Cichlid (Biotodoma cupido) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 55 gallons and 75-82°F. A gentle eartheater-type cichlid with a dark eye-patch stripe and soft coloring. It sifts sand, prefers soft, slightly acidic, clean water and is a good match for calm South American tankmates.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Biotodoma cupido |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Amazon and Orinoco basins, South America |
| Adult size | 5-6 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gallons |
| Temperature | 75-82°F |
| pH | 5.0-7.0 |
| Temperament | Peaceful, shy |
| Social behavior | Pair or small group in a large tank |
| Swim level | Bottom to mid |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore: sinking pellets, small frozen foods, spirulina |
| Typical lifespan | 8-10 years |
Quick tips
- Use fine sand and add driftwood.
- Keep tankmates peaceful.
- Keep water clean; it is sensitive to poor water.
San Diego water
Prefers softer, more acidic water than San Diego's tap (pH roughly 7.6-8.6, hard). Most keepers blend tap with RO/DI water or use a remineralized RO/DI supply. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi