Herichthys minckleyi
Herichthys minckleyi, synonym Cichlasoma minckleyi, is a freshwater fish that lives in Mexican reservoirs. The habitat of these fish is crystal clear thermal springs and ponds with a constant temperature and a diameter of no more than 20 meters.
There are three different forms of these fish, which differ mainly in the shape of their teeth and body. The most common form has poorly developed teeth and a rather tall body. The second form has well-developed teeth, allowing the fish to easily shred mollusks, such as snails, as well as a tall body. The third form of fish is quite rare and has an elongated body. This fish species is able to swim quickly and hunt for small fish. In aquariums, mainly contain Herichthys minckleyi belonging to the first species.
Herichthys minckleyi has a tall body, slightly flattened from the sides. The main body coloration is usually yellowish gray to brown. During the spawning period, the ventral side of the female becomes darker and the body becomes whitish in coloration. The dominant mature males are usually dark with a large occipital hump. There may be several weakly contrasting transverse stripes on the sides of the body, but for the most part they are practically invisible. Scattered throughout the body are bluish or yellowish spots. There is a high-contrast black spot at the root of the tail plumage. The head is relatively large, the mouth is terminal, and the lips are fleshy. The maximum size of the fish reaches 17-20 cm.
Herichthys minckleyi lead a gregarious lifestyle. In the aquarium fish can be kept in groups, where 1 male should have 3-4 females. In the case of keeping multiple males together the aquarium should be sufficiently spacious and have numerous shelters to reduce the risk of clashes between them.
Water parameters: temperature 23-25°C, hardness dH over 30°, acidity pH 7,5-8,0. Need a quality water filtration and increased aeration, as well as a weekly replacement of its 1/3 of the fresh part.
The menu of fish in the wild consists mainly of detritus. In aquariums, fish are fed mollusks and small fish.
Reproduction
Herichthys minckleyi reaches its sexual maturity by the age of one year.
Before spawning, the producers dig a wide cave in the detritus under the shelter, where the female lays several hundred eggs. The eggs are yellowish in color and about 2 mm in size. The female takes care of the eggs by swirling her fins around them, thus preventing them from becoming sour. The female takes care of the fry until they reach the size of 1.5-2 cm.
Life expectancy Herichthys minckleyi in an aquarium environment is about 10-20 years.
