Native Region:

• Endemic to southeastern Mexico, primarily the Grijalva River system in Chiapas and Tabasco

Natural Habitat:

• Found in slow-moving to moderate-flow rivers, lakes, and floodplains

• Prefers sandy or muddy substrates with submerged roots, rocks, and occasional vegetation

Size:

• Males: 12–14 inches (30–35 cm)

• Females: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)

Coloration:

• Base color: Shimmering silver-white

• Covered in irregular black spots or speckles, most prominent on the body and head

• Some males may develop red, yellow, or turquoise accents with age and dominance

• Males often show a pronounced nuchal hump (forehead bump)

Lifespan:

• 10–15 years with proper care

Temperament:

• Highly aggressive and territorial, especially in breeding pairs

• Will dominate smaller or more passive tank mates

• Best for single specimen tanks or aggressive cichlid setups

Social Behavior:

• Best kept solo, as a breeding pair, or with other equally aggressive, similarly sized cichlids

• Not community safe

Minimum Tank Size:

• 125 gallons for a single adult

• 180+ gallons for a breeding pair or community of large aggressive cichlids

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.0

• Hardness: Moderate to hard water

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

• Décor: Heavy rocks, driftwood, and caves—securely placed to avoid toppling

• Leave open swimming space and territory boundaries

• Strong filtration and regular water changes are essential

Feeding Type: Omnivore (leans carnivorous)

In Captivity:

• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets or sticks

• Supplements:

  • Frozen or live foods like krill, shrimp, bloodworms, earthworms

  • Spirulina-based foods and blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach) for digestion

Feeding Frequency:

• Feed 1–2 times daily—avoid high-fat or low-quality foods

Pair Bonding:

• Forms monogamous breeding pairs

• May become extremely aggressive during spawning

Spawning Setup:

• Provide flat stones or tank bottom for egg-laying

• Parents are excellent caregivers, aggressively defending fry

Fry Care:

• Once free-swimming, feed fry baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes

• Consider separating fry to maximize survival

Compatible With:

• Other large, aggressive Central or South American cichlids:

  • Amphilophus, Parachromis, Vieja melanura, Jaguar cichlid

• Armored catfish or large Plecos

Avoid:

• Small or peaceful fish—will be attacked

• Weak or passive cichlids—will be outcompeted

Native Region:

• Endemic to southeastern Mexico, primarily the Grijalva River system in Chiapas and Tabasco

Natural Habitat:

• Found in slow-moving to moderate-flow rivers, lakes, and floodplains

• Prefers sandy or muddy substrates with submerged roots, rocks, and occasional vegetation

Size:

• Males: 12–14 inches (30–35 cm)

• Females: 8–10 inches (20–25 cm)

Coloration:

• Base color: Shimmering silver-white

• Covered in irregular black spots or speckles, most prominent on the body and head

• Some males may develop red, yellow, or turquoise accents with age and dominance

• Males often show a pronounced nuchal hump (forehead bump)

Lifespan:

• 10–15 years with proper care

Temperament:

• Highly aggressive and territorial, especially in breeding pairs

• Will dominate smaller or more passive tank mates

• Best for single specimen tanks or aggressive cichlid setups

Social Behavior:

• Best kept solo, as a breeding pair, or with other equally aggressive, similarly sized cichlids

• Not community safe

Minimum Tank Size:

• 125 gallons for a single adult

• 180+ gallons for a breeding pair or community of large aggressive cichlids

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.0

• Hardness: Moderate to hard water

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

• Décor: Heavy rocks, driftwood, and caves—securely placed to avoid toppling

• Leave open swimming space and territory boundaries

• Strong filtration and regular water changes are essential

Feeding Type: Omnivore (leans carnivorous)

In Captivity:

• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets or sticks

• Supplements:

  • Frozen or live foods like krill, shrimp, bloodworms, earthworms

  • Spirulina-based foods and blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach) for digestion

Feeding Frequency:

• Feed 1–2 times daily—avoid high-fat or low-quality foods

Pair Bonding:

• Forms monogamous breeding pairs

• May become extremely aggressive during spawning

Spawning Setup:

• Provide flat stones or tank bottom for egg-laying

• Parents are excellent caregivers, aggressively defending fry

Fry Care:

• Once free-swimming, feed fry baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes

• Consider separating fry to maximize survival

Compatible With:

• Other large, aggressive Central or South American cichlids:

  • Amphilophus, Parachromis, Vieja melanura, Jaguar cichlid

• Armored catfish or large Plecos

Avoid:

• Small or peaceful fish—will be attacked

• Weak or passive cichlids—will be outcompeted