{"product_id":"brazilian-blue-retroculus-cichlid-retroculus-lapidifer","title":"Brazilian Blue Retroculus Cichlid (Retroculus lapidifer)","description":"\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1wy0l5\" data-start=\"82\" data-end=\"146\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"86\" data-end=\"146\"\u003eBrazilian Blue Retroculus Cichlid (Retroculus lapidifer)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"148\" data-end=\"465\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"152\" data-end=\"189\"\u003eBrazilian Blue Retroculus Cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e is a rare and fascinating sand-sifting species known for its shimmering blue hues and unique feeding behavior. Native to the fast-flowing rivers of \u003cstrong data-start=\"338\" data-end=\"348\"\u003eBrazil\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cem data-start=\"350\" data-end=\"372\"\u003eRetroculus lapidifer\u003c\/em\u003e is built for life on sandy riverbeds, where it constantly sifts substrate in search of food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"467\" data-end=\"824\"\u003eWhat sets this fish apart is its subtle yet stunning coloration—metallic blues and silvers that glow under proper lighting, combined with a sleek, elongated body designed for navigating strong currents. Watching a group of Retroculus methodically sift sand is both natural and mesmerizing, making them a standout addition to biotope and specialty aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"826\" data-end=\"1093\"\u003eUnlike more aggressive cichlids, this species is relatively peaceful but does best in well-planned setups with appropriate tank mates. Due to its specialized care and need for high water quality, the Brazilian Blue Retroculus is best suited for experienced hobbyists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1095\" data-end=\"1098\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"18qwdve\" data-start=\"1100\" data-end=\"1125\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1104\" data-end=\"1125\"\u003eTank Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1439\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"kw7hnp\" data-start=\"1126\" data-end=\"1167\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1150\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 75–100 gallons\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"nd0cnq\" data-start=\"1168\" data-end=\"1204\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1170\" data-end=\"1183\"\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e Up to 10–12 inches\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1x9fe7s\" data-start=\"1205\" data-end=\"1233\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1207\" data-end=\"1223\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 78–84°F\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1pwp3r1\" data-start=\"1234\" data-end=\"1253\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1236\" data-end=\"1243\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.0–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"eu6f53\" data-start=\"1254\" data-end=\"1294\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1256\" data-end=\"1275\"\u003eWater Hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Soft to moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"17ltpjo\" data-start=\"1295\" data-end=\"1364\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1297\" data-end=\"1311\"\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fine sand (essential for natural feeding behavior)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1ciqd6p\" data-start=\"1365\" data-end=\"1439\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong data-start=\"1367\" data-end=\"1383\"\u003eEnvironment:\u003c\/strong\u003e High oxygenation, strong flow, pristine water quality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1441\" data-end=\"1444\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"12sdk7u\" data-start=\"1446\" data-end=\"1458\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1450\" data-end=\"1458\"\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1459\" data-end=\"1489\"\u003eCarnivorous \/ Micro-predator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1490\" data-end=\"1615\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1snpnya\" data-start=\"1490\" data-end=\"1533\"\u003eSinking pellets designed for carnivores\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"b8lcqr\" data-start=\"1534\" data-end=\"1591\"\u003eFrozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1xitn77\" data-start=\"1592\" data-end=\"1615\"\u003eSmall invertebrates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1617\" data-end=\"1620\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"swpufs\" data-start=\"1622\" data-end=\"1640\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1626\" data-end=\"1640\"\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1641\" data-end=\"1799\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"aqzxmc\" data-start=\"1641\" data-end=\"1693\"\u003ePeaceful to semi-aggressive fish of similar size\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"hwmjc9\" data-start=\"1694\" data-end=\"1741\"\u003eGeophagus, larger tetras, peaceful cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1vibo4x\" data-start=\"1742\" data-end=\"1799\"\u003eAvoid overly aggressive or highly competitive species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"1801\" data-end=\"1804\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-section-id=\"1546rao\" data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"1835\"\u003e\u003cspan role=\"text\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1810\" data-end=\"1835\"\u003eWhy We Love This Fish\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-start=\"1836\" data-end=\"2002\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"46oaax\" data-start=\"1836\" data-end=\"1876\"\u003eRare and unique sand-sifting cichlid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"1e3knnp\" data-start=\"1877\" data-end=\"1910\"\u003eBeautiful metallic blue sheen\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"cq8fi6\" data-start=\"1911\" data-end=\"1952\"\u003eNatural, fascinating feeding behavior\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-section-id=\"7nz6xh\" data-start=\"1953\" data-end=\"2002\"\u003ePerfect for biotope and river-style aquariums\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2004\" data-end=\"2007\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2009\" data-end=\"2212\"\u003eThe \u003cstrong data-start=\"2013\" data-end=\"2050\"\u003eBrazilian Blue Retroculus Cichlid\u003c\/strong\u003e is an excellent choice for advanced hobbyists looking to keep a rare, behavior-rich species that offers something completely different from traditional cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-start=\"2214\" data-end=\"2217\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2219\" data-end=\"2367\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\"\u003eIf you want, I can also create a \u003cstrong data-start=\"2252\" data-end=\"2285\"\u003e“sand sifter collection” page\u003c\/strong\u003e (Retroculus, Geophagus, Satanoperca) — those group really well and sell strong 🔥\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"vendor-unknown","offers":[{"title":"2 - 3 inches","offer_id":45981284565188,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"3.5 - 4 inches","offer_id":45981284597956,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0563\/5286\/6500\/files\/Snapshot_24.png?v=1776752222","url":"https:\/\/www.predatoryfins.com\/products\/brazilian-blue-retroculus-cichlid-retroculus-lapidifer","provider":"Predatory Fins","version":"1.0","type":"link"}