Pearsei Cichlid new to NY Area

[robertprice]

The Pearsei Cichlid, Herichthys pearsei from Guatemala is making its first appearances on the East Coast. It has the potential to be a large tank favorite.

Pearsei are polychromatic and shaped like Viejas. They only consistent character color to best identify them is a dark grey to black patch from the Chin and Gills almost up to the lateral line and extending to the caudal peduncle. The dorsal section of the fish can be almost any color (Google "Images of pearsei cichlids").

They are peaceful and get 12-13 inches long.

I recently obtained one on Long Island (about 4.5 inches) and easily see how they get a foot long. They eat everything and are always hungry. Mine is current living in a 55 with 2 Orange Severums, 2 Bichirs, a Distichodus sexfasciatus, Clown Loaches. a Shovelnose Catfish, and a Yellow Acara.