Cryptoheros cutteri “Blue Eye Cichlid”

Cryptoheros cutteri “Blue Eye Cichlid” is a cichlid is smaller in size  and will do well as an individual in community tanks. Cutter’s, is  closely related to  A. spilurus, are distinguished from their grayer, more drab cousins by a brilliant blue streak that runs through their middle.

Although these are pretty and have a lot of personality, they are definitely a tough little fish to keep in an aquarium. Don’t put a spawning pair in a community tank! They are extremely aggressive and protective parents.

If you want to keep this cichlid in “mixed species community tanks” as spawning pairs, you should keep it in a tank that is at least six feet long. Make sure your tankmates are “robust” and tough, but not so big that they will just eat your pair!

II. You would love the fish because…

The beautiful Central American cichlid Cryptoheros cutteri is found in Honduras and Guatemala; It might also be found in Belize or El Salvador, according to other sources.

It is a bit more colorful than the “other” Blue-eye Cichlid, Cryptoheros spilurus, so it might be mistaken for it. When at rest, there is a subtle suffusion of colors in blue and gold that is vaguely similar to that of a “Convict” cichlid. During breeding, there is a high contrast pattern of white and black.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

 

• Recommended: 2
• Overall hostility: Peaceful
• Hostility towards own species: Peaceful
• Hostility towards other Species: Peaceful

 

V. How to feed this species?

Enjoys eating live food, but will happily eat any prepared or frozen food.

Recommended food:

• Optimum Cichlid Fish Food
• STAR FARMS True Color Cichlids

Word for the wise

Live Plants

Live, frozen food

Driftwood

Substrate

Rocks

Aquarium Starter Kit

Filter

Heater