Native Region:

• Found in the Usumacinta River system, including the Rio Grijalva and Rio Lacantún

• Distributed across parts of Guatemala and Chiapas, Mexico

Habitat Type:

• Slow-moving or moderate-flow rivers

• Often found in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, rocks, and submerged wood

Size:

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

• Males are typically larger and more colorful than females

Coloration:

• Base color: Gray to olive or tan

• Mature males display red, orange, or yellow coloration along the cheeks, throat, and body sides

• Faint vertical barring or lateral blotches may be visible

• Males often develop a nuchal hump with age

Lifespan:

• Typically 10–15 years with proper care

Temperament:

• Highly aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding

• Should only be kept with other robust Central American cichlids in large tanks

Social Behavior:

• Can be kept as a solo specimen, bonded pair, or in large aggressive setups

• May fight to the death with similar species in small tanks

Tank Size:

• Minimum 125 gallons for one adult

• Larger tanks (150–180+ gallons) strongly recommended for pairs or communities

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.0

• Hardness: Moderate to hard water (8–20 dGH)

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Fine sand or gravel

• Décor: Heavy rockwork, caves, driftwood

• Leave open swimming space but also provide hiding spots

• Use strong filtration and weekly water changes

Omnivorous:

• In the wild, feeds on plant matter, algae, detritus, and invertebrates

In Captivity:

• Staple diet: High-quality cichlid pellets

• Supplements:

  • Frozen foods (bloodworms, krill, shrimp)

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, peas, spinach)

  • Spirulina-based flakes or wafers

Feeding Frequency:

• Feed once or twice daily—avoid overfeeding

Pair Bonding:

• Forms monogamous pairs

• Very aggressive while breeding—may require a divider or separate tank

Spawning:

• Eggs are laid on flat surfaces like rocks

• Both parents will fiercely guard eggs and fry

Fry Care:

• Once hatched, fry should be fed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flake

Best Tank Mates:

• Other large, aggressive Central American cichlids like:

  • Vieja melanura, Amphilophus citrinellus, Parachromis motaguensis

• Large bottom dwellers: Plecos, large Synodontis, or robust catfish

Avoid:

• Small or peaceful fish

• Fragile or slow-swimming species

• Overcrowding or similarly colored males (will trigger aggression)

Native Region:

• Found in the Usumacinta River system, including the Rio Grijalva and Rio Lacantún

• Distributed across parts of Guatemala and Chiapas, Mexico

Habitat Type:

• Slow-moving or moderate-flow rivers

• Often found in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, rocks, and submerged wood

Size:

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

• Males are typically larger and more colorful than females

Coloration:

• Base color: Gray to olive or tan

• Mature males display red, orange, or yellow coloration along the cheeks, throat, and body sides

• Faint vertical barring or lateral blotches may be visible

• Males often develop a nuchal hump with age

Lifespan:

• Typically 10–15 years with proper care

Temperament:

• Highly aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding

• Should only be kept with other robust Central American cichlids in large tanks

Social Behavior:

• Can be kept as a solo specimen, bonded pair, or in large aggressive setups

• May fight to the death with similar species in small tanks

Tank Size:

• Minimum 125 gallons for one adult

• Larger tanks (150–180+ gallons) strongly recommended for pairs or communities

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 76–82°F (24–28°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.0

• Hardness: Moderate to hard water (8–20 dGH)

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Fine sand or gravel

• Décor: Heavy rockwork, caves, driftwood

• Leave open swimming space but also provide hiding spots

• Use strong filtration and weekly water changes

Omnivorous:

• In the wild, feeds on plant matter, algae, detritus, and invertebrates

In Captivity:

• Staple diet: High-quality cichlid pellets

• Supplements:

  • Frozen foods (bloodworms, krill, shrimp)

  • Blanched vegetables (zucchini, peas, spinach)

  • Spirulina-based flakes or wafers

Feeding Frequency:

• Feed once or twice daily—avoid overfeeding

Pair Bonding:

• Forms monogamous pairs

• Very aggressive while breeding—may require a divider or separate tank

Spawning:

• Eggs are laid on flat surfaces like rocks

• Both parents will fiercely guard eggs and fry

Fry Care:

• Once hatched, fry should be fed baby brine shrimp or finely crushed flake

Best Tank Mates:

• Other large, aggressive Central American cichlids like:

  • Vieja melanura, Amphilophus citrinellus, Parachromis motaguensis

• Large bottom dwellers: Plecos, large Synodontis, or robust catfish

Avoid:

• Small or peaceful fish

• Fragile or slow-swimming species

• Overcrowding or similarly colored males (will trigger aggression)