Rainbow Cichlid

Herotilapia multispinosa

Rainbow Cichlid is a all-zone swimmer.

Semi-AggressiveAll-zone swimmerIntermediate

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Need help with Rainbow Cichlid?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 6.9" (≤ 17.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 27 US gal (103 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Swimming zone: All-zone swimmer
Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
pH: 7–8
GH: up to 20 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 8 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 8 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 27 US gal (103 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–28 °C, pH 7–8.

Temperament and compatibility

Rainbow Cichlid needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses multiple areas of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Rainbow Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 27 US gal (103 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.
Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Costa Rica Honduras Nicaragua.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 1.5" (≤ 3.9 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C) Argentine Humphead Gymnogeophagus balzanii Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 7.9" (≤ 20 cm) 70–77°F (21–25°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Blue Scraper Cichlid Neochromis omnicaeruleus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 4.7" (≤ 11.9 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Altifron Eartheater Geophagus altifrons Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 8.9" (≤ 22.5 cm) 79–90°F (26–32°C) Blue Neon Cichlid Paracyprichromis nigripinnis Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 75–81°F (24–27°C)

FAQ

How large does Rainbow Cichlid get?

Rainbow Cichlid reaches ≤ 6.9" (≤ 17.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Rainbow Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 27 US gal (103 L) or larger / ≥ 35.4" (≥ 90 cm) minimum length.

Is Rainbow Cichlid peaceful?

Rainbow Cichlid needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.

What temperature is suitable for Rainbow Cichlid?

Keep it between 22 to 28 °C.