Tomocichla asfraci

🐟 Tomocichla asfraci – Holy Grail Central American Cichlid, Extremely Rare in the Hobby

The Tomocichla asfraci is considered one of the “holy grail” Central American cichlids and is among the rarest species available in the aquarium trade. Native to the pristine, fast-flowing rivers of Honduras and Nicaragua, this striking cichlid displays a dazzling mix of iridescent blue-green scales, fiery red-orange highlights, and bold vertical barring. Its scarcity, combined with its exceptional beauty and bold personality, makes it highly sought after by advanced cichlid keepers and serious collectors.

🔎 Quick Facts – Tomocichla asfraci

• 📛 Common Name: Tomocichla asfraci
• 🔬 Scientific Name: Tomocichla asfraci
• 🌍 Origin: Central America – Honduras, Nicaragua
• 🎨 Appearance: Blue-green iridescence, red-orange accents, dark vertical bars
• 📏 Max Size: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)
• 💎 Availability: Extremely rare; considered a holy grail cichlid

😇 Behavior & Temperament

• ⚔️ Semi-aggressive; territorial, especially during breeding
• 🐟 Best kept with similarly sized Central American cichlids or other robust tankmates
• 🌊 Strong swimmer; thrives in aquariums with good current

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

• 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 75+ gallons for a pair
• 🪵 Rocks, driftwood, and caves for territory establishment
• 🌊 Moderate to strong water movement to mimic river habitat
• 💡 Moderate lighting enhances coloration

💧 Water Parameters – Tomocichla asfraci Care

• 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
• ⚗️ pH: 7.0–8.0
• 💧 Hardness: Moderate to hard water

🍽️ Diet – Omnivorous

• 🐟 High-quality cichlid pellets and sticks
• 🦐 Frozen krill, mysis shrimp, and brine shrimp
• 🌽 Fresh vegetables like zucchini, spinach, and peas

📋 Tomocichla asfraci Overview Table

✨ Highlight:
The Tomocichla asfraci is one of the rarest and most coveted cichlids in the world, often referred to as a holy grail species for Central American cichlid collectors due to its unmatched beauty and scarcity.