The Pearl cichlid has been imported and successfully bred in Germany as early as 1902. In the meantime there were several changes regarding the name. Formerly known under the name of Cichlasoma cyanoguttatum it is now a member of the genus Herichthys. It is believed that the large spotted form, which we can offer right now as German bred ones, belongs to the species Herichthys carpinte that originates from Mexico, whereas the small spotted form is thought to represent the "real" Herichthys cyanoguttatum. The latter is the only native cichlid of the US and the northernmost species of cichlid at all.

 

Sadly Pearl cichlids are almost forgotten nowadays. So we are always glad when once per year one of our breeders offers us this beautiful fish. Currently the animals are 4-5 cm long. However, maximum length for the species reported is about 30 cm. Large specimens are among the most colorful species of cichlid at all!

 

For our customers: the fish have code 644502 on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

 

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer