[robertprice]

This fish is superficially similar to the Sieve Cichlid. It is very variable in color but most specimens are yellow, yellow-green, or gold. There are often as many as 12 short vertical bars from dorsal fin to lateral line the length of ther body, and females in breeding color are gold and have intensely red spotted bellies. The have pearly blue fins. Others are fairly plain yellow with large black botches. Males get large nuchal humps. They get 13 inches long, live in Southern Mexico, in hard water of pH 7-8, and 73-81 degrees.

They can be kept in captivity, but a pair needs a 90 gallon tank with a divider to keep the female safe. They like roots and rocks. They eat any meaty cichlid foods. Pictures available at ""mages of Cichlasoma istlanum."