Wessel's Cichlid - Theraps wesseli

Species name: Theraps wesseli

Synonym: Theraps wesseli

Common name: Wessel's cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Order: Perciformes

Class: Actinopterygii

Maximum size: 21 cm / 8 inches

Environment: freshwater

Origin: Theraps wesseli (Wessel's cichlid) is primarily found in 3 streams in Northern Honduras: the Rio Juhapa, Rio Belleaire and the Rio Hauron.

Temperament: Peaceful

Company: This species is suitable for community aquariums with other fishes of the same size.

Water parameters: Temperature 23-27°C / 73-81°F; pH 7.4 – 8.2

Aquarium setup: Theraps wesseli (Wessel's cichlid) is best kept in a large aquarium decorated so that a lot of hiding places are created. They prefer a fine grained bottom substrate. Plants are optional. This species is sensitive to nitrites and regular water changes area necessity. They prefer an aquarium with strong current.

Feeding: They will usually accept pellets.

Breeding: Theraps wesseli changes color on the lower half of their body to black and the color of their upper body to la whitish color during the spawning period. The female guards the eggs and fry while the male keep other fishes out of their territory. Feed the fry baby brine shrimp.

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