Astatheros macracanthus
Blackthroat Cichlid (Astatheros macracanthus)
Blackthroat Cichlid (Astatheros macracanthus)
19 in stock
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Remarks: Blackthroat cichlids (Astatheros macracanthus) are one of the most coveted species amongst Central American cichlid enthusiasts. This is mostly due in part to their rarity and the spectacular coloration both males and females show when spawning. Breeding fish will turn a striking platinum white with jet black lips, throats, and vertical bars on the body. Outside of breeding, their beauty is much more muted with orange eyes, flecks of gold and blue iridescence, tan or gray bodies, and their stripes usually being barely visible. This makes blackthroat cichlids a species that requires patience and time with the pay off being a show-stopper of a fish.
In the past, blackthroat cichlids had been placed in several different genuses as their exact taxonomy was revised. In 2008, they were removed from the Amphilophus genus and were instead placed in the Astatheros genus of which they are the only currently recognized species. While being taxonomically and visually unique, they share a lot of behavioral similarities to other large, Central American cichlids. Blackthroat cichlids usually top out at about 10 inches in length, but some specimens can reach 12 inches. Their large size combined with a heavily territorial and aggressive nature means that these cichlids will need to be provided with a very large tank. A 75 gallon can be sufficient for a single fish or breeding pair, but a 150 gallon or larger is recommended if keeping them with other fish. If housing tankmates with blackthroat cichlids, they are best kept with other Central American cichlids with similar size and temperament or with robust dither fish too large to be swallowed.
Aggression in blackthroat cichlids can be lessened and more natural behaviors can be encouraged if their natural habitat is mimicked in the aquarium. Blackthroat cichlids can be found in several waterways from southern Mexico down into northern Central America. These waterways have sandy bottoms and tons of rocks, roots, and fallen branches. In captivity, you can witness the blackthroat cichlids digging in the sand and using any rocks and driftwood for cover if these environments are mimicked. Since their natural habitats have neutral water parameters, this aspect of their care will be rather easy for most keepers. Feeding them also is very simple as these omnivores are known to go for just about any foods fed to them. If well cared for and provided plenty of space, the blackthroat cichlid is a very rewarding species that we recommend any cichlid enthusiast keep at least once.
Animal Data
Animal Data
- Native to: Mexico
- Breeding: Tank-raised by Imperial Tropicals in Imperial Tropicals, USA
- Max adult size: 9-10"
- Diet: Omnivore
- Social behavior: Aggressive
- Care skill: Intermediate
Tank Parameters
Tank Parameters
- Temp range: 78°F - 86°F
- pH range: 7.0 - 8.0
- TDS range: 100 ppm - 300 ppm
- Min Tank Size:
Shipping Info
Shipping Info
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS/FedEx Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS/FedEx Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS/FedEx Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS/FedEx 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
Why buy from us?
Our Healthy & Happy Arrival guarantee
We've been packing and shipping live fish for over 50 years. When you buy from us, you get the healthiest stock and most experienced live fish shipping in the industry. So you know you won't be disappointed!
Will my fish look like the picture?
The majority of fish on our website will NOT look like their photos upon their unboxing. Fish change in appearance depending on many factors, including mood, age, gender, and social status. Fish will naturally lose color during shipping and may appear faded upon arrival. Pictures are used as examples only. Pictures may be of mature fish with full color or juvenile fish without color. We encourage you to research the species as much as possible prior to ordering in order to familiarize yourself with the various appearances they may take on. Many species have females that look drastically different to their male counterparts, and many juveniles will not have as much color (or different colors) as their adult forms. If you have questions about how the fish will look, please review their information and email us if you have any questions.
How do I know which fish can go together in my tank?
Research the product descriptions on our website and use Google search to help decide which fish can go together. PLEASE do your research and email us if you have any questions. Also, we have a very active Facebook group called Imperial Tropicals Fishkeepers where you can learn from knowledgable and experienced fishkeepers.
How do you ship live fish? Sounds risky!
We've been shipping live fish for over 50 years. we use specialized packaging and techniques to ensure their health. See how we do it.
How much does shipping cost?
We provide premium next day air shipping at affordable flat rates to minimize transit time for the health of the fish.
| US Zone 1 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $39.99 |
| US Zone 2 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $49.99 |
| US Zone 3 | UPS/FedEx Overnight | $59.99 |
| US Zone 4 |
UPS/FedEx Overnight |
$69.99 |
| Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska | UPS/FedEx Overnight 1-2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Canada | UPS/FedEx Overnight -2 Day Air | Starts at $89.99 |
| Florida | UPS/FedEx 1 Day Ground | $19.99 |
| Local pickup | Select at checkout | No charge |
| No overseas shipping | ||
Minimum order for all shipping is $50 for mainland US, $100 elsewhere. Saturday delivery available for an extra $30. Shipping to Alaska and Canada is not flat rate and can be subject to additional fees based on location.
Important order and shipping info
Allow 2-4 business days to process and pack your order. You will receive a notification when it actually ships. Order cancellations are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Order changes cannot be made. However, if you wish to add to your order within 24 hours, you may place a second order with a request to combine the shipments. We will do our best to accommodate, however once an order is packaged and sealed it cannot be reopened.
Your order is covered by our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee.
When will I get my order?
We need 2-4 days to select and pack your fish, you'll get a notification when it ships along with tracking info. It will arrive the next day or day after, depending on your location. See our Shipping Policy for full info.
What if my order is delayed? Will my fish be OK?
We ship hundreds of packages a week, and most are delivered without any issues thanks to our experienced team and premium air courier service. Our high-tech packaging is designed to sustain the animals a minimum of 2-3 days in the box, and in some cases longer, depending on the breed.
However, sometimes delays do occur. If this happens to your order, please document and contact us promptly following our inspection and documentation policies above in order to receive credit.
Can I change or cancel my order after it is placed?
Orders can be changed or cancelled within 24 hours, subject to a 10% restocking fee. Shipping is stressful for the animals and we cannot open boxes once they have been prepped and packed.
Can you hold my order until my tank is ready?
We can hold for a few days, but not beyond a week as inventory changes rapidly. Please only place your order when you know you will be ready to receive them.
What if my order is missing something?
First, please check the box and packaging thoroughly. If you are sure an item is missing please contact us immediately.
Do you offer pickup on local orders?
Yes! Just specify local pickup as your shipping option in checkout and we'll let you know when it is ready.
What if a fish I receive seems dead, sick or doesn't look right?
97% of our orders arrive without an issue. But if something goes wrong, no worries! You're covered under our Healthy & Happy Arrival Guarantee