HomeFreshwater aquarium fishSouth & Central American cichlidsBlue-eye cichlid Blue-eye cichlid (Cryptoheros spilurus) Scientific name: Cryptoheros spilurus G?nther, 1862 The Blue-eye cichlid (Cryptoheros spilurus) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 12 cm (4.7 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful and needs a tank of at least 210 L (55 US gal), water at 22–32°C (72–90°F) and a pH of 7.0–7.5. Native range: Central America, Atlantic slope from Belize to Nicaragua. Blue-eye cichlid care at a glanceCare levelEasyTemperamentPeacefulAdult size12 cm (4.7 in)Minimum tank210 L (55 US gal)Temperature22–32°C (72–90°F)pH7.0–7.5Hardness8–12 dGH (143–214 ppm)DietCarnivore. Accepts frozen foods and live foods. BiologyInhabits lakes and rivers, preferring the shallows and bank areas. Found over sand, mud and rock bottoms and prefers the slower moving waters of the lower river valleys.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameCryptoheros spilurusFamilyCichlidae (Cichlids)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length12.0EnvironmentFreshwater; benthopelagicClimateTropicalDistributionCentral America: Atlantic slope from Belize to Nicaragua.Conservation status (IUCN)Not EvaluatedThreat to humansHarmlessUsesFisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercialResilienceMedium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Fec=300-400) More south & central american cichlidsRainbow kribPelvicachromis pulcherNanochromis parilusOrange chromideEtroplus maculatusGeophagus abaliosHeros efasciatusCrenicichla strigataSee all south & central american cichlids SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.Last updated 28 September 2026