Native Region:

• Lake Izabal, Rio Dulce, and other nearby waterways in Guatemala and Belize

Habitat Type:

• Prefers slow-moving rivers, lagoons, and lakes

• Found in areas with dense vegetation, submerged roots, and sandy or muddy bottoms

Size:

• Grows up to 12–14 inches (30–35 cm) in captivity

• Males are typically larger and more colorful

Coloration:

• Golden olive to yellow body, sometimes with green or blue iridescence

• Can develop red to orange hues on the flanks and face as they mature

• Dark vertical bars may appear when stressed or during spawning

Shape:

• Deep-bodied with a powerful build and nuchal hump in dominant males

Lifespan:

• Up to 10–15 years with proper care

Temperament:

• Semi-aggressive to aggressive, especially during breeding

• Dominant and territorial, particularly toward similar-sized fish

Social Behavior:

• Can be kept with other large Central American cichlids

• May be aggressive toward conspecifics or similarly shaped fish

Tank Size:

• Minimum 125 gallons for a single adult or pair

• Larger tanks required for community setups

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.0

• Hardness: Moderate

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

• Decor: Rocks, driftwood, and dense planting (with caution – they may uproot plants)

• Provide hiding spots and defined territories

Filtration:

• Strong biological and mechanical filtration needed due to size and waste production

• Weekly water changes highly recommended

Omnivorous:

• Eats insects, crustaceans, algae, and plant matter in the wild

In Captivity:

• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets

• Supplements: Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill), spirulina-based foods, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 1–2 times daily, avoid overfeeding

Reproductive Behavior:

• Monogamous pair bond, both parents care for the fry

• Will aggressively defend spawning site

Spawning Setup:

• Flat rocks or cave-like areas for egg laying

• Water changes and high protein diet can trigger spawning

Fry Care:

• Parents will protect eggs and fry

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

Best With:

• Other large Central American cichlids like Vieja melanura, Amphilophus, Parachromis, and Rocio octofasciata (Jack Dempsey)

• Large catfish (Synodontis, Pictus) or plecos

Avoid:

• Small or peaceful fish

• Overcrowding—will lead to severe aggression

Native Region:

• Lake Izabal, Rio Dulce, and other nearby waterways in Guatemala and Belize

Habitat Type:

• Prefers slow-moving rivers, lagoons, and lakes

• Found in areas with dense vegetation, submerged roots, and sandy or muddy bottoms

Size:

• Grows up to 12–14 inches (30–35 cm) in captivity

• Males are typically larger and more colorful

Coloration:

• Golden olive to yellow body, sometimes with green or blue iridescence

• Can develop red to orange hues on the flanks and face as they mature

• Dark vertical bars may appear when stressed or during spawning

Shape:

• Deep-bodied with a powerful build and nuchal hump in dominant males

Lifespan:

• Up to 10–15 years with proper care

Temperament:

• Semi-aggressive to aggressive, especially during breeding

• Dominant and territorial, particularly toward similar-sized fish

Social Behavior:

• Can be kept with other large Central American cichlids

• May be aggressive toward conspecifics or similarly shaped fish

Tank Size:

• Minimum 125 gallons for a single adult or pair

• Larger tanks required for community setups

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.0

• Hardness: Moderate

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel

• Decor: Rocks, driftwood, and dense planting (with caution – they may uproot plants)

• Provide hiding spots and defined territories

Filtration:

• Strong biological and mechanical filtration needed due to size and waste production

• Weekly water changes highly recommended

Omnivorous:

• Eats insects, crustaceans, algae, and plant matter in the wild

In Captivity:

• Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets

• Supplements: Frozen or live foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, krill), spirulina-based foods, blanched vegetables (zucchini, spinach, peas)

Feeding Schedule:

• Feed 1–2 times daily, avoid overfeeding

Reproductive Behavior:

• Monogamous pair bond, both parents care for the fry

• Will aggressively defend spawning site

Spawning Setup:

• Flat rocks or cave-like areas for egg laying

• Water changes and high protein diet can trigger spawning

Fry Care:

• Parents will protect eggs and fry

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

Best With:

• Other large Central American cichlids like Vieja melanura, Amphilophus, Parachromis, and Rocio octofasciata (Jack Dempsey)

• Large catfish (Synodontis, Pictus) or plecos

Avoid:

• Small or peaceful fish

• Overcrowding—will lead to severe aggression