Moderate
Rainbow Cichlid (Herotilapia multispinosa)
24–28°C · pH 7–8 · 180L
£5.99
Topaz Cichlid (Amatitlania myrnae) for structured Central American aquariums; a compact territorial cichlid with cave, feeding and tank-mate guidance.
Amatitlania myrnae
Save when buying multiple fish. Each quantity is one fish; sex and pair formation are not guaranteed unless the selected variant explicitly states them.
Topaz Cichlid (Amatitlania myrnae) for structured Central American aquariums; a compact territorial cichlid with cave, feeding and tank-mate guidance.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
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. The current listing covers size variants, with the 3-4 cm fish in stock at the time of this update.
| Common name | Topaz Cichlid |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Amatitlania myrnae, also traded as Cryptoheros myrnae |
| Adult size | Usually up to around 8-10 cm, depending on sex and line |
| Care level | Moderate; easy to feed, but territorial when settled |
| Temperament | Territorial cichlid, especially around caves and breeding sites |
| Diet | Omnivore with a varied pellet, frozen and vegetable-based diet |
| Best for | Structured Central American or robust community cichlid aquariums |
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.
| Temperature | 24-28°C is a sensible aquarium range |
|---|---|
| pH | Neutral to alkaline is preferred; avoid unstable acidic water |
| Hardness | Moderately hard to hard water suits Central American cichlids well |
| Flow | Gentle to moderate movement with good oxygenation |
| Water quality | Zero ammonia/nitrite, low nitrate and regular partial water changes |
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.
| Minimum aquarium | From around 90 litres for a carefully planned pair or small group; larger is easier |
|---|---|
| Layout | Rock caves, wood, broken sight lines and open sand/gravel areas |
| Plants | Use robust plants or attach plants to wood/rock, as digging is possible |
| Substrate | Sand or smooth gravel so the fish can forage safely |
| Territories | Create more caves than fish so subdominant fish are not trapped |
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.
| Good options | Robust livebearers, medium tetras that suit harder water, peaceful Central American cichlids with space, and armoured catfish in suitable groups |
|---|---|
| Use caution | Other cave-spawning cichlids, similar-sized territorial fish and very slow bottom dwellers |
| Avoid | Tiny fish, delicate long-finned species, dwarf shrimp, very timid fish and cramped mixed-cichlid setups |
| Breeding note | Pairs can become much more defensive when guarding eggs or fry |
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.
| Staple | Quality cichlid micro pellets or small sinking pellets |
|---|---|
| Variety | Frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworm in moderation and chopped seafood-style foods where suitable |
| Plant matter | Spirulina foods and vegetable-based flakes help round out the diet |
| Routine | Small portions once or twice daily; remove excess food |
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.
| 3-4 cm | Best for growing on and easier introduction to a planned aquarium |
|---|---|
| 5-6 cm | Larger juvenile/subadult size when available |
| Over 6 cm | More developed fish when available; allow more territory |
| First order | Use WELCOME10 when eligible for 10% off your first order |
| Arrival cover | Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee when delivery and acclimation steps are followed |
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.
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.
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