Care
A rheophilic species known from the rapidly flowing, highly oxygenated warm waters of the Xingu River drainage near the Cachoeira von Martius waterfall, in Mato Grosso state, central Brazil. This elongate, dwarf cichlid must be provided with specialised conditions if it is to thrive in the home aquarium; indeed, a requisite for their care is highly oxygenated, warm water with plenty of current, and tight fitting covers are a must. T. centrarchus is currently one of 8 described members of the Teleocichla genus, but there are at least 10 more awaiting scientific description. Due to a reduced swimbladder, these fish spend most of their time on the substrate, so be sure to provide a soft sandy substrate along with plenty of nooks and crannies formed from piles of pebbles, rocks, pieces of smooth slate, and tangles of driftwood - ensuring that there are some broken lines of sight for the fish to set up territories. Plants are not found in any great abundance in the fast-flowing waters of the natural habitat, so are not considered essential; however, robust species such as Anubias and Microsorum tied onto driftwood will help with water quality and will make the aquarium look more aesthetically pleasing, as well as creating more hiding places. The best way to keep these cichlids is either as a known compatible pair, or in dense groups (10+) in more spacious aquaria. Although this is a relatively peaceful species, groups that are too small could result in major territorial bickering and subsequent losses. A larger group (housed in a tank with a multitude of visual barriers) will ensure that no one fish bears the brunt of any squabbles and is subjected to constant stress - any arguments will be spread throughout the group. These cichlids will be at their best in a dedicated aquarium, although they do not usually show aggression towards other current-loving fish. Nonetheless, bite-sized tankmates are best avoided, as are species with long fins. Like other species that inhabit fresh running waters, these cichlids will not tolerate a build-up of nitrates within the aquarium and require excellent water conditions at all times if they are to thrive - so powerful filtration and regular partial water changes are essential.
Feeding
Small frozen foods such as bloodworm (sparingly), white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, daphnia, and cyclops. Will also take sinking pellets/tablets/granules. These fish have a fast metabolism and require 2-3 feeds per day, but do keep a close eye on water quality.
Breeding
This species has been bred in the home aquarium, but precise details are few and far between. A number of aquarists have only discovered that their Teleocichla have bred when free-swimming fry are spotted in the tank. These cichlids are cave spawners, typically depositing eggs on the underside of a rock, although some have observed them with nests in the substrate. A typical brood size would be between 30-100, and the young can take baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) as soon as they are free-swimming (approx 12 days post spawn).
