Seven-striped Cichlid

Amatitlania septemfasciata grows to between 4 and 5 inches (10 and 13 cm). Males are typically larger than females. Both sexes generally have six vertical bars along each side. Females have a black spot or ocellus on the dorsal fin, which is generally surrounded by metallic coloration. It lives in rivers on the Atlantic slope of Costa Rica. It can be found in rivers of all velocities, including slow moving and fast moving rivers. The bottom of the rivers it lives in are generally covered by rocks and leaf litter. In its natural habitat, the pH is generally between 6.6 and 7.6 and the water temperature is between 21 and 27 degrees Celsius (70 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit). Its ability to protrude its jaw 3.5% standard length limits its diet to about 1% evasive prey. Amatitlania septemfasciata is an egg layer and a cave spawner. In breeds in crevices in the rocks at the bottom of the river. Spawnings typically result in 200 to 250 fry. The conservation status of Amatitlania septemfasciata has not been evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).