Species name: Caquetaia umbrifera
Synonym: Caquetaia umbriferum, Cichlasoma umbriferum
Common Names: Turquiose cichlid, Umbie
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (perch-likes)
Class: Actinopterygii (ray-finned fishes)
Max. size: 50 cm / 20 inches
Environment: freshwater
Origin: South America. Atrato and Magdalena River drainages in Colombia and Tuíra and Chucunaque River drainages in Panama.
Temperament: Highly aggressive
Company: In very, very large aquariums other large aggressive fishes. However in normal aquariums it’s recommended to keep this cichlid as a solitary fish.
Water parameters: pH 7.0-8.0, temperature 25-28°C / 77-82° F
Aquarium setup: Large aquariums is a most. Decorate with large rocks and roots that are fixed so that the cichlids can’t move them and cause damage to themselves or the aquarium. All technical equipment most be secured. Do not use plants or other sensitive decoration since it will be destroyed. Great hiding places for weaker specimens.
Feeding: Accepts all kind of food.
Breeding: Can be breed in aquariums. The breeding process most be monitored since the male might kill the female if she isn’t ready to spawn when he is. Using a divide can be recommendable when you are trying to breed this cichlid.
