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Common Name: Trimac, 3-spot cichlid
Size: ~12" for females and ~14" for males, though under optimal conditions they might grow slightly larger
Male Trimac displaying breeding colors. Photo submitted by gtlaw.
pH: ~7.0 to 7.8. This species is very tolerant and provided you properly acclimate them, they will accept a wider range of ph.
Minimum Recommended Tank Size: 75 gallons, though a pair will do much better in a 125 gallon
Native Location: Central America, Pacific slope rivers from Mexico to El Salvador
Female Trimac protecting fry. Photo submitted by gtlaw.
Temperature: 72-80F. This species is very tolerant of a fairly wide range in temp provided extremes are avoided. It is important to note that the fish's metabolism will increase at higher temperatures meaning they will grow slightly faster and become more aggressive/territorial at higher temps.
Diet: Omnivore. In the aquarium, this species should be provided with a varied diet of pellets, food sticks and live/frozen/freeze dried foods.
Trimac pair displaying breeding colors. Photo submitted by gtlaw.
Breeding: A pair will form at approx. 5-7". The female will guard the eggs/fry while the male will guard the surrounding area. Once paired, this fish will dilligently guard the eggs/fry and can injure or kill any fish that gets too close to the nesting area.
Gender Differences: Males will grow larger than females and will grow larger nuchal humps. Males will also likely have longer extensions on their dorsal and anal fins.
Aggression: A very aggressive and territorial fish. Tankmates should be chosen very carefully and only added in tanks at least 6' long.
Subadult offspring off the above pair. Photo submitted by gtlaw.
Notes: Due to the Flowerhorn craze, most trimacs in the hobby are actually low-grade flowerhorns. This species was one of the principle species used in the creation of flowerhorns. In order to find a pure A. trimaculatum you'd have to buy from a reputable importer or breeder. This is a somewhat drab fish as juveniles, but as they get bigger they become quite attractive.
