The Umbriferum (Kronoheros umbriferus) is one of the largest neotropical Cichlids, growing up to a massive 24 inches in captivity: although females do remain significantly smaller than males. Also known as the Umbee, or Turquoise Cichlid, they are native to rivers in Panama and Columbia. These particular Umbees originated from the Rio Magdalena and will become very blue as mature adults. Adult Umbees, of both sexes, have characteristic metallic-blue freckling on the gill cover, which first appears in juveniles at about 2 inches. Juveniles, have a distinct black horizontal stripe along their axis. The ground color if an adult male is copper with metallic blue spots in the middle of each scale. An adult female is greenish-gray in color, with less blue spots on the body and fins. In the aquarium, juvenile Umbees can be raised together, but are best kept in a minimum 50 gallon tank, with plenty of hiding places. Water Conditions: 6.5 - 8.0 pH 76 - 82 F 5 - 15 KH Breeding: Captive bred on our farm.
