Retroculus lapidifer – aquarium fish
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Retroculus lapidifer

$40.00

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Overnight shipping via FedEx Priority Overnight, UPS Next Day Air or Southwest Cargo across the United States and Puerto Rico. If your fish doesn’t arrive alive and healthy, we issue store credit — no questions asked.

Retroculus lapidifer – a Brazilian river cichlid that sifts sand and thrives in warm, oxygen-rich flowing water. Offered at approximately 3 inches; allow for adult growth. Sold individually.

20 in stock

SKU: AMZN-FISH-98 Categories: , Brand:

Retroculus lapidifer – A River-Dwelling Eartheater from Brazil

Retroculus lapidifer is a South American cichlid from the fast-flowing rivers of Brazil, including the Tocantins and Araguaia systems. It searches the bottom for food, sifting sand and picking through the substrate. This specialist needs warm, clean, highly oxygenated water and a strong current. The fish offered here are approximately 3 inches; adults can reach about 8 inches (20 cm) in standard length.

Retroculus lapidifer Key Features

  • River Specialist: Adapted to flowing, well-oxygenated water rather than a still community aquarium.

  • Natural Sand Sifter: Forages close to the bottom, taking mouthfuls of fine substrate in search of food.

  • Brazilian Origin: The species occurs in the Tocantins and Araguaia river systems; the collection origin of these individual fish is not specified.

  • Social Behavior: Juveniles are especially social. A group of five to eight allows a more natural hierarchy when sufficient space is available.

  • Room to Grow: Offered at approximately 3 inches; plan for a substantially larger adult fish.

Retroculus lapidifer Care Requirements

  • Tank Size: For adults, use a mature river-style aquarium with a footprint of at least 84 × 24 inches (210 × 60 cm), approximately 200 gallons or more. Provide open fine sand, smooth stones, strong filtration and water movement.

  • Water Temperature: 79–90°F (26–32°C). Maintain high oxygen levels, strong current and stable, clean water.

  • pH Range: 6.0–8.0; approximately 1–12 dGH. Keep conditions stable and perform substantial regular water changes.

  • Diet: Offer fine sinking prepared foods along with varied frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and small worms. Include some vegetable-based food and feed small portions.

  • Tank Mates: Relatively peaceful outside breeding, but small fish may be eaten. Choose suitably sized, peaceful midwater fish that tolerate the same warm, fast-flowing conditions; avoid crowding the bottom.

Why Choose Our Retroculus lapidifer

Its distinctive bottom-foraging behavior makes this an absorbing choice for an established, purpose-built river aquarium.

Shipping & Live Arrival Guarantee

We ship fish in insulated packaging. Our Live Arrival Guarantee covers overnight shipments; see our shipping information for details.

Weight 0.3 lbs
Dimensions 3.5 × 3.5 × 4.5 in
Size

3”

Shipping & Care FAQ

Common questions about ordering, shipping, acclimation, and care. Have a different question? Contact us.

How long does fish shipping take?
All orders ship overnight via FedEx or UPS from our Philadelphia, PA facility. Most US addresses receive their fish within 16-24 hours of dispatch. We ship Monday through Wednesday to ensure fish arrive before weekend transit holds.
What is the Live Arrival Guarantee?
Every overnight shipment from Amazonia Tropical Fish LLC is covered by our 100% Live Arrival Guarantee. If a fish arrives DOA, we provide store credit — photo documentation within 2 hours of delivery is required.
How do I acclimate fish from Amazoniafish.com to my aquarium?
Float the unopened bag in your aquarium for 15-20 minutes to equalize temperature. Then drip acclimate over 45-60 minutes using airline tubing (1-2 drops per second) into a holding container. Net the fish into your tank without adding bag water. Dim lights for the first 24 hours.
How are the fish packaged for overnight shipping?
Fish ship in oxygenated double-bagged plastic bags inside insulated styrofoam boxes with heat or cool packs depending on season. Fishes are bagged with proper water-to-fish ratio. Boxes are clearly marked LIVE FISH on all sides.
Are the fish quarantined before shipping?
All wild-caught and imported fish undergo a multi-week quarantine at our facility. Specimens are prophylactically treated for internal and external parasites and verified to be eating well before being offered for sale. Domestic strains are quarantined for at least 1 week.
What if a fish arrives dead (DOA)?
Take clear photos of the deceased fish in the unopened bag within 2 hours of delivery and email us. We process Live Arrival Guarantee claims same-day — store credit is refunded to your account.
Do you ship to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or internationally?
We ship throughout the continental United States plus Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico. International destinations are not supported due to live fish import regulations and shipping risks. We comply with Lacey Act and CITES regulations for all sales.
What water parameters should I prepare for my new fish?
Most South American tropical fish (angelfish, discus, apistogramma, tetras, corydoras) thrive in soft, slightly acidic water: pH 6.0-7.0, temperature 78-82°F. Specific parameters are listed in each product description. Wild-caught species benefit from blackwater botanicals (Indian Almond leaves, alder cones).
Do you offer wholesale or bulk pricing?
Yes — wholesale pricing is available for licensed retailers. Visit our wholesale page for details and bulk pricing on premium tropical fish.

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