Cichlid Profiles - Chancho
 

Amphilophus chancho, discovered in 2008 is the largest of the 6 endemic Midas species offshoots inhabiting lake Apoyo. It is mutedly attractive, very Midas-like in body bulid, heavy set and thick up front, with a yellow-brown head and body base color ranging from off white to grey to yellow. There are 7 very thick, dark vertical body bars, the first running from behind the operculum to the nuchal area and down the other side, the 4 and 5th often having pronounced black blotches in the middle. There is a black peduncle spot. This carnivore and molluscivore has been measured at 10 inches long (males) and 9 inches for females, and may get a bit larger. It and the other sympatric, newly evolved, closely related cichlids in the Lake are the subject of much genetic and chromosomal research, as are the other members of the Midas complex. Their opportunistic expansion in the 23,000 year old lake is compared to the radiation of Rift Lake Cichlids in Africa.

In the aquarium is it highly aggressive conspecifically and to other species. It likes water of 78- 83 degrees, pH 6.5-7.5, and requires a 70 gallon tank for a pair. They are substrate breeders who lay about 600 eggs. See "Images of Amphilophus chancho" for pictures.