Electric Blue Carpintis Care Guide
Herichthys carpintis
Stocking Calculator
Bioload Score
24000
- Max Size
- 30 cm / 11.8"
- Temperature
- 22–28°C (72–82°F)
- pH Range
- 7 – 8.5
- Min Tank Size
- 300L (79 gal)
- Min Group Size
- Can be kept alone
- Tank Level
- Bottom-Mid
- Origin
- North America
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Breeding Difficulty
- Moderate
Diet
An omnivorous predator that eats aquatic invertebrates, small fish, crustaceans and plant matter.
Community Compatibility
Suitable tankmates include robust, similarly sized Central American cichlids, large plecos and durable catfish, although adults are often best kept alone or as a compatible pair.
Good to Know
Herichthys carpintis is often called the Pearlscale Cichlid because its blue-green markings resemble rows of shimmering pearls.
Gender Differences
Males usually grow larger and develop longer fins and a more pronounced nuchal hump, while females are generally smaller with shorter fins.
About the Electric Blue Carpintis
The Electric Blue Carpintis is a selectively bred colour form of Herichthys carpintis, admired for its intense electric-blue and turquoise body patterning. Darker edging around the scales creates a striking pearl-like effect, while the robust body and powerful fins give it the classic appearance of a large Central American cichlid.This fish is intelligent, alert and strongly territorial. Adults often display impressive colour and posture when defending a chosen area, and they can recognise activity outside the aquarium. Despite its ornate appearance, it remains a substantial, assertive predator rather than a delicate community fish.Herichthys carpintis is native to northeastern Mexico, where wild populations inhabit warm rivers, streams, ponds and flooded areas. These waters can be clear or turbid and are commonly influenced by mineral-rich geology, helping explain the species’ preference for alkaline conditions.The species belongs to the cichlid family Cichlidae and is closely related to the true Texas Cichlid, Herichthys cyanoguttatus. Wild Carpintis are typically less uniformly blue than the Electric Blue form, with pearly blue-green spotting over a grey, brown or olive base.Like many Central American cichlids, it forms strong pair bonds and both parents may guard eggs and defend free-swimming fry. Its combination of vivid colour, imposing size and complex behaviour has made it a popular choice for experienced cichlid keepers.
Stock Electric Blue Carpintis in Your Tank
Use our free stocking calculator to see if Electric Blue Carpintis fits your aquarium