[CichlidAdmin]

Scientific Name: Astatheros robertsoni Pronunciation: r b- rt-s n- Common Name(s): Blue Sifter, Roberts Cichlid Geo. Origin: South Mexico to Guatemala Gender Differences: Dimorphic Breeding: Substrate Spawner Temperament: Mildly Aggressive Conspecific Temperament: Highly Aggressive Maximum Size: 10" Temperature: 75 - 78°F pH: 7.2 - 8.0 Water Hardness: Hard Difficulty: 2

Photo Credit: Del Calhoun Images: Adult pair Male Show Quality Adult Juvenile Adult Taken In Field Red Cheek Juvenile Taken In Field [TD] Articles:

Comments:

This substrate sifting cichlid is a good candidate for stocking in mildly aggressive, community tanks. Mature males will show a bit more blue 'spangling' iridescence than the females, and have longer, trailing anal and dorsal fins. Keep individuals or established/compatible pairs of the Blue Sifter in the aquarium. Sand substrates will certainly be appreciated. Be careful - this cichlid does NOT tolerate other, non-paired members of it's own species very well, unless stocked in very large, 300 gallon (or larger) sized tanks.

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