Scientific Name : Australoheros oblongum
Common Names : 'Chanchito'
Origin : Uruguay
Size : 4" - 6" Males are generally larger then Females.
Tank Size : 20 gallon or larger.
pH : 7.0 - 8.0 Lower then 7.0 is not recommended.
Temperature : 65F - 80F ... In the wild, winter temperatures can reach as low as 50F.
Water Hardness : 5-20 dH. Unlike most South American Cichlids, this species enjoys hard, alkaline water.
- Note: This is a very hardy, adaptable cichlid. However, sudden extreme changes in water parameters should be avoided.
Lifespan : ?
Temperament: Generally Peaceful.
Feeding: Pellets, Flake, Live, Frozen. They are generally not picky eaters.
Male (photo by Todd W Appel)
Female (photo by Todd W Appel)
GENERAL INFORMATION:
'Chanchito' is a common name for a whole family of cichlids from Uruguay. Australoheros oblongum is the smallest and most mellow species of this complex.
Although an extremely attractive and relatively easy fish to care for, the Australoheros oblongum remains extremely rare in the hobby. Information is currently limited as well as documentation or pictures. It appears that there are very few owners of this species in the US. There were some brought back from Uruguay some years ago. However, more people are now collecting at the location they were originally caught and are no longer finding Australoheros oblongum at that location.
Males generally max out at about 5" - 6". Females are smaller at about 4". Both males and females show dark, stripe like patterns on a mustard yellow colored body. The Australoheros oblongum has nice blue flecks all offer the body that shine when the they hit the light. The tail has a nice deep red in it that for some reason doesn't show well in photographs. Colors are magnified during spawning, and the results are stunning. Juveniles are generally lighter in color, showing a more blue then black color.
This species can be somewhat shy at first. Dither fish can help, as well as plants, caves and any other features that will provide a sense of comfort in the aquarium.
BREEDING:
Australoheros oblongum form very solid pair-bonds. Even when not spawning or raising fry, they never beat each other up. Once they pair off they maintain this pattern even when they aren't actually spawning or raising fry. The best way to get a pair is to keep a group of about 6+ juveniles and let pairs form naturally.
Once a pair is formed and they are ready to spawn they will pick out a site and keep other fish away. This is where some aggression may show, though it is mild if displayed and generally towards other Australoheros oblongum.
A spawning pair claims a small territory, eggs are laid on the substrate, and guarded by both parents. However, they aren't aggressive enough to defend the eggs from other fish. Once the eggs hatch the female moves the wigglers to whatever plants are around. Dense plants are preferred. The Female will move them around among the plants until they are free-swimming, usually about a week, while the Male helps stand guard. The broods generally yield 100 - 150+ fry, though younger pairs won't produce as many. After the fry are free-swimming both parents keep an eye on them. It appears that after a few weeks the Parent will start eating their fry. However, this is not always the case. When provided with ample space and privacy, their parental skills improve and fry are not eaten.
It is suggested that you keep a single spawning pair in a 2' - 3' tank. Generally only one pair will spawn in a 3' tank with other inhabitants. 2 pairs will likely spawn in a 4' tank. Larger tanks will sustain more spawning pairs.
Fry hiding amongst some Najas indica plants. (photo by Todd W Appel)
Free Swimming Fry. (photo by Todd W Appel)
Young juveniles. (photo by Todd W Appel)
Older juveniles showing some color. (photo by Todd W Appel)
(photo by Chong Kwang)
HISTORY:
I recieved 6 Australoheros oblongum from Todd in 2011. He received several from a hobbyist back in 2008. Although their exact lineage cannot be proven, it is believed that this generation of 'Chanchitos' are not far off from the wild generation originally brought up from Uruguay.
CREDIT:
Most of the information in this article was provided by Todd Appel, who has kept and raised Australoheros oblongum for several years, and compiled by myself. Additional information and pictures have been added from my research and personal experience with this species. Feel free to notify me if you have any additional information or experience with this fish species.
Aditional Photos: (By Craig Taylor)
