T-Bar / Sajica Cichlid

T-Bar / Sajica Cichlids are native to the Pacific Slope’s freshwater streams, which can be found from Costa Rica to Panama.

These species mostly live in rivers and streams with gravels as their substrate and moderate to strong currents. They can be found at elevations of up to 2000 feet.

They are scientifically known as Amatitlania Sajica, but they are more commonly referred to as the T Bar, Sajica Cichlid, or Costa Rican Blue-Eyed Cichlid by fishkeepers.

They got their name due to its prominent third bar on their bodies and the bold lateral stripe that extends from the gill.

II. You would love the fish because…

is an attractive Central American Cichlid which will do well in a community of other medium sized cichlids.

The distinctive horizontal T-shaped black mark formed by the prominent third bar and the dark lateral line that begins at the gill on their bodies are what give T Bar cichlids their common name.

It is important to note that the width of the third bar is uniform, whereas the width of other species varies. The rest of the body is a tan, whereas the six other bars that cover the chunkier body are faded. This color’s hue can be a little off, but it’s usually the same.

They lack a lateral spot on the side of their body and the blotch on their caudal and dorsal fins, unlike their close relatives.

Adults can be easily distinguished as male or female. The adult male T Bar cichlid develops a prominent “Nuchal” hump and grows a little bit larger than the females.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

A peaceful cichlid.

IV. Species compatibility

• Firemouth Cichlid (Thorichthys meeki)
• Hypsophrys nicaraguensis (Nicaraguan Cichlid)
• Herotilapia multispinosa (Rainbow Cichlid)
• Aequidens diadema (Royal Acara Cichlid)
• A group of Tetras or Livebearers

V. How to feed this species?

It is possible to provide krill, mussels, shrimp, and other frozen seafood as food. Even a fatty earthworm is appreciated by them. Dry food is not really acknowledged.

VI. Tank set-up

A tank for T-Bar cichlids can be set up fairly easily. You only need to try to imitate their natural environment as much as you can. Because they come from streams and rivers with smaller rocks and gravel, you should make the aquarium look like those places.

Hiding spots: use gravel as the substrate and add caves and driftwood. Anything that can provide a cave-like structure, like flower pots, will work well.

Make sure there is enough room for them to swim in the middle or back of the tank.

Plants: Not required but do contribute to the creation of a natural environment and improve water quality by absorbing nitrates and providing oxygen.

Use tough plants that can be anchored to rocks and driftwood because these fish like to dig.

Light: Doesn’t need any special lighting.

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