Cryptoheros septemfasciatus

Scientific name: Cryptoheros septemfasciatus Regan, 1908

Cryptoheros septemfasciatus is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 10 cm (3.9 in). It is easy to keep, is best kept in a species tank and needs a tank of at least 150 L (40 US gal), water at 21–27°C (70–81°F) and a pH of 7.0–7.5. Native range: Central America, Atlantic slope of Costa Rica, from San Juan River drainage to the Banano River.

Cryptoheros septemfasciatus care at a glance

Care level: Easy
Community tank: Not suitable
Adult size: 10 cm (3.9 in)
Minimum tank: 150 L (40 US gal)
Temperature: 21–27°C (70–81°F)
pH: 7.0–7.5
Hardness: 8–12 dGH (143–214 ppm)
Diet: Omnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Inhabits rivers and rivulets of all velocities, slow to fast moving. Feeds on algae, leaves, fruits, aquatic insects and bottom detritus. Found up to 1800 feet of elevation. Spawns in caves and crevices of rocks on river bottoms and produces 200-250 offspring per spawning.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Cryptoheros septemfasciatus
Family: Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order: Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 10.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - ?; dH range: ? - 15 benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Central America: Atlantic slope of Costa Rica, from San Juan River drainage to the Banano River.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

Sources

Taxonomy, 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