T-Bar Cichlid

Bred by TFR

Small fish, price is indicative of this. 

The T-Bar Cichlid

Amatitlania sajica

Native Location: Costa Rica, Central America

Climate: Tropical

Maximum Size: 13cm

Temperament: Peaceful - Unless spawning

Diet: Omnivore

Breeding: Moderate

Temperature Range: 25-29℃ (77-84.2℉)

Preferred pH Range: 6.5-8.0

Minimum Aquarium Size 150L (120cmX40cmX30cm)

Potential Tankmates: Acara, Corydoras, Pleco, Angelfish, Swordtails, Neon Tetras

Care Level: Easy

T-bar cichlids exhibit a striking appearance with a prominent dark vertical bar running through their eyes and a series of horizontal stripes along their bodies, which can vary in colour from light grey to vibrant blue-green hues. They are native to Central America's freshwater rivers and streams, particularly in Costa Rica. Their natural habitat features sand and fine gravel substrate, often interspersed with rocks and driftwood. These environments are typically home to aquatic plants such as Vallisneria and Anubias.

Creating an ideal aquarium for T-bar cichlids involves replicating their natural habitat to ensure their well-being and comfort. Use a substrate of fine gravel or sand to mimic the riverbeds they are accustomed to, and incorporate a variety of rocks and driftwood to create hiding spots and territorial boundaries. Aquatic plants such as Vallisneria, Anubias, and Java fern enhance the aesthetic appeal, provide cover, and contribute to water quality. Ensure moderate lighting to support plant growth while not being overly intense, and maintain a gentle to moderate water flow to simulate their natural riverine environment. This setup, when maintained by you, promotes a healthy and stimulating habitat for T-bar cichlids, encouraging natural behaviours and vibrant colouration.

T-bar cichlids have an omnivorous diet in their natural habitat, feeding on various plant matter, small invertebrates, and detritus. To replicate this in a home aquarium, provide a balanced diet that includes high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as a staple. Supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia to mimic the invertebrates they would encounter in the wild. Additionally, include blanched vegetables like spinach or zucchini to ensure they receive essential plant nutrients. This diverse diet will help maintain their health, enhance their colouration, and support their natural foraging behaviours.

Breeding T-bar cichlids in the home aquarium is relatively straightforward, as they are prolific and attentive parents. To encourage breeding, provide a well-structured environment with plenty of hiding spots, such as caves made from rocks or clay pots. Maintain a stable and slightly elevated water temperature to simulate breeding conditions. Once a pair forms, they select a secure site for laying eggs, typically on a flat surface. The female lays the eggs, which the male fertilises, and both parents diligently guard and fan the eggs to ensure proper oxygenation. After hatching, the fry remains under the watchful care of both parents, who guide and protect them until they are ready to fend for themselves. Feeding the fry with a finely crushed flake or specialised fry food will support their growth and development.

 Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy: In the unfortunate event that your fish arrives dead, please follow these steps: Within 12 hours of the delivery, take clear, unopened bag pictures showing the deceased fish. Send these photographs and your order number to our customer service email at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or to our Facebook page, and we will then offer a refund or store credit for the cost of the fish. 

Two-Week Guarantee Policy: We stand behind the health and quality of our fish, which is why we offer a two-week guarantee starting from the day of delivery. If your fish dies within this time frame, adhere to the following procedure: Take clear photos of the deceased fish. Using a reliable test kit, document water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrate, nitrite levels) via a dated image. Please email us the photographs, water parameters, and order number to getfish@thefishroom.co.nz or our Facebook page. After reviewing your claim, if approved, we will issue a store credit for the cost of the fish. Our two-week guarantee does not cover fish deaths due to unsuitable water conditions, incompatible tank mates or "disasters", i.e. a heater overheating. To prevent such situations, we recommend thoroughly researching each fish species' needs before introducing them to your aquarium. 

 Freight Charges: Please note that shipping or freight charges are non-refundable under all circumstances. We hope this guide makes our refund and guarantee process more understandable. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact us at getfish@thefishroom.co.nz. We are always happy to assist. Thank you for choosing The Fish Room. Happy fish keeping! 

All our fish are quarantined on arrival for two weeks. During this time, we treat any health issues that may occur during transport and ensure each fish is eating well and looking healthy. All fish are treated with Flubendazole before finally going on sale.