Rocio octofasciata

Squarish dark flank blotches are characteristic.

The familiar Electric Blue is a bright blue selectively bred form; strains are not separate species.

Adult length: Up to 20 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–30 °C
Lifespan: 10–15 years
pH: 6.5–8
Hardness: 5–20 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits warm, murky swamps and slow lowland waters, including weedy canals and ditches over mud or sand.

Small tankmates may be eaten. Keeping it with other cichlids requires a very large space; the blue strain does not guarantee generally mild behavior.

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Social behaviour and territory

Juveniles may temporarily be kept in groups, but aggression toward conspecifics increases with maturity. Compatible pairs usually drive away other conspecifics and similarly shaped fish.

Diet and feeding

Offer sinking prepared food alongside animal foods such as shrimp, Daphnia and mosquito larvae, while retaining plant foods in the diet.

Sources