Trimac Cichlid (6”+)

Scientific Name

Amphilophus trimaculatus

Maximum Size and Lifespan

• Size: Males can reach up to 12-14 inches (35–40 cm), while females are usually smaller 8-10"

• Lifespan: With proper care, they can live 10–12 years in captivity.

Recommended Aquarium Size, Water Changes, and Care

• Tank Size: A minimum of 75 gallons (475 L) is recommended for a single adult. Larger setups 125–180 gallons are preferred for pairs or community-style housing with other large fish.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

  • pH: 6.8–7.8
    

• Filtration: Strong, efficient filtration is a must due to their high waste production.

• Water Changes: Perform 30–40% weekly water changes to maintain water quality.

• Care Notes: Trimacs are extremely aggressive and territorial. They require heavy aquascaping with rocks, driftwood, and sturdy hiding spots, though many keepers leave tanks relatively open to reduce territorial disputes.

Tankmates

• Possible Tankmates: If attempted, only very large, equally aggressive Central or South American cichlids (like Midas, Red Devil, or Jaguar Cichlids) or large armored catfish and plecos Even then, fights are highly likely, so tankmates are risky.

Diet

Trimacs are omnivores with a strong carnivorous tendency. In captivity, they thrive on a varied diet:

• Staple Foods: High-quality cichlid pellets or sticks.

• Supplementary Foods: Frozen or live foods such as shrimp, krill, bloodworms, and earthworms.

• Vegetable Matter: Spirulina-based pellets, zucchini, peas, or spinach to balance their diet.

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily, only as much as they can consume within a few minutes.

Overview

The Trimac Cichlid is one of the largest and most aggressive Central American cichlids, admired for its golden-green body with pink and red accents, as well as its trademark black lateral blotches. They demand space, strong filtration, and experienced handling. Trimacs are the natural species behind the popular hybrid “Flowerhorn Cichlid,” though the pure species is much rarer in the aquarium trade.

Natural Environment

Amphilophus trimaculatus originates from Central America, particularly in the rivers and lakes of Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. They inhabit slow to moderately flowing rivers and floodplain lakes, often with muddy or sandy bottoms, submerged wood, and scattered vegetation. Their natural environment provides cover but also large open territories for dominance.

Breeding

• Sexual Dimorphism: Males are larger, more colorful, and develop a noticeable nuchal hump; females stay smaller with rounder bodies.

• Breeding Setup: A large dedicated tank (at least 125–150 gallons) is needed for a pair, with flat rocks or slate for spawning.

• Spawning: Trimacs are substrate spawners. The female will lay several hundred eggs on a cleaned rock surface, which the male fertilizes.

• Parental Care: Both parents aggressively guard the eggs and fry, making them excellent but highly territorial parents.

• Raising Fry: Eggs hatch in 2–3 days, and fry become free-swimming after about a week. Feed them freshly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed flake food until they grow large enough for larger foods.