Topaz Cichlid (Amatitlania myrnae)

Topaz Cichlid (Amatitlania myrnae) is a compact Central American cichlid for aquarists who enjoy personality, structure and breeding behaviour in a manageable aquarium size. It is also seen under the older name Cryptoheros myrnae, so both names are useful when comparing care notes.

This is not a delicate soft-water community fish. It is a small but territorial cichlid from clear, mineral-rich streams and rivers, best kept in a mature aquarium with rockwork, wood, open sand and robust tank mates.

Quick Facts

Why Choose Topaz Cichlids?

Topaz Cichlids are attractive because they give the keeper classic Central American cichlid behaviour without the size of many larger species. They inspect caves, defend chosen areas, sift around the bottom and become much more interesting once they feel settled. Females can show especially strong colour and display behaviour during breeding condition.

The species is relatively uncommon in everyday aquarium shops, so it is worth keeping the page clear and useful rather than padding it with repeated sales terms. If you want a small cichlid with real behaviour, this is a stronger choice than a generic community fish. If you want a very calm aquarium with tiny shrimp and delicate fish, choose something gentler.

Water Parameters

Stability matters more than chasing an exact number. Use a mature filter, avoid sudden changes and give the fish time to settle. In hard-water UK areas, this species can be more practical than many soft-water South American dwarf cichlids.

Aquarium Setup

A bare open tank can make territorial behaviour worse because every fish can see every other fish all the time. Break the aquarium into zones with rockwork and wood. The goal is a layout where a fish can leave another fish's view quickly.

Tank Mates

Topaz Cichlids are not monsters, but they are still cichlids. Give them space and choose tank mates that can cope with a confident fish defending a cave. If aggression rises, adding more hiding structure is often more useful than adding more fish.

Feeding

A varied omnivore diet supports colour, body condition and breeding readiness. Avoid relying only on rich frozen foods, as Central American cichlids do best with a balanced routine rather than a constant heavy-protein diet.

Size Options and Ordering Notes

When available, livestock is packed for overnight live-animal courier delivery. Check your aquarium before dispatch day, especially temperature and water quality, so the fish can go into a stable tank rather than a rushed setup.

You Might Also Like

• Rainbow Cichlid
• Nicaragua Cichlid
• Firemouth Cichlid
• Midas Cichlid
• Honduran Red Point Cichlid

Best For

Choose the Topaz Cichlid if you want a smaller Central American cichlid with real territory, colour and breeding behaviour. It rewards thoughtful aquascaping, steady water and sensible tank-mate choices, and it is a much better fit for a structured cichlid aquarium than for a soft, delicate nano community.