Size:

• Males typically grow to 8–10 inches (20–25 cm).
• Females are slightly smaller, around 6–8 inches (15–20 cm).

Coloration:

• Juveniles start with a light gray or tan body adorned with dark spots.
• As they mature, adults develop iridescent blue, green, and gold spangling, particularly prominent in males.
• Breeding males may exhibit intensified coloration.

Native Range:
Found in the warm, slow-moving rivers, lakes, and swamps of Central America, including Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize.

Natural Environment:
Prefers muddy or sandy substrates with submerged roots, rocks, and vegetation.

Temperament:

• Aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding.
• They are known to dig in the substrate and rearrange tank decorations.

Social Behavior:

• Best kept alone, in pairs, or with other similarly sized and robust fish.
• Can coexist with other aggressive cichlids in large tanks.

Tank Size:

• A minimum of 55 gallons for a single fish.
• 75+ gallons for a pair or a mixed cichlid setup.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72°F–86°F (22°C–30°C).
• pH: 6.5–8.0.
• Hardness: Moderate to hard water.

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel.
• Decor: Provide hiding spots using rocks, caves, and driftwood. Hardy plants like Anubias or Java Fern may be used but could be uprooted.
• Filtration: Strong filtration is essential due to their high waste production.

Wild Diet:
Carnivorous, feeding on small fish, insects, and crustaceans.

In Captivity:
Offer a varied diet to maintain health and coloration:

• High-quality cichlid pellets.
• Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or earthworms.
• Occasional vegetables like peas or spinach.

Type:
Egg-layers with strong parental instincts.

Breeding Behavior:

• Form monogamous pairs.
• Males intensify their coloration to attract females.
• After spawning, both parents guard the eggs and fry aggressively.

Breeding Tips:

• Use a flat surface like a rock for spawning.
• Maintain stable water parameters and increase the temperature slightly (around 80°F) to encourage breeding.

• Green Terrors (Andinoacara rivulatus).
• Convict Cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata).
• Oscars (Astronotus ocellatus).
• Avoid housing with smaller or overly passive species to prevent aggression.

Size:

• Males typically grow to 8–10 inches (20–25 cm).
• Females are slightly smaller, around 6–8 inches (15–20 cm).

Coloration:

• Juveniles start with a light gray or tan body adorned with dark spots.
• As they mature, adults develop iridescent blue, green, and gold spangling, particularly prominent in males.
• Breeding males may exhibit intensified coloration.

Native Range:
Found in the warm, slow-moving rivers, lakes, and swamps of Central America, including Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize.

Natural Environment:
Prefers muddy or sandy substrates with submerged roots, rocks, and vegetation.

Temperament:

• Aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding.
• They are known to dig in the substrate and rearrange tank decorations.

Social Behavior:

• Best kept alone, in pairs, or with other similarly sized and robust fish.
• Can coexist with other aggressive cichlids in large tanks.

Tank Size:

• A minimum of 55 gallons for a single fish.
• 75+ gallons for a pair or a mixed cichlid setup.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 72°F–86°F (22°C–30°C).
• pH: 6.5–8.0.
• Hardness: Moderate to hard water.

Tank Setup:

• Substrate: Sand or fine gravel.
• Decor: Provide hiding spots using rocks, caves, and driftwood. Hardy plants like Anubias or Java Fern may be used but could be uprooted.
• Filtration: Strong filtration is essential due to their high waste production.

Wild Diet:
Carnivorous, feeding on small fish, insects, and crustaceans.

In Captivity:
Offer a varied diet to maintain health and coloration:

• High-quality cichlid pellets.
• Frozen or live foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, or earthworms.
• Occasional vegetables like peas or spinach.

Type:
Egg-layers with strong parental instincts.

Breeding Behavior:

• Form monogamous pairs.
• Males intensify their coloration to attract females.
• After spawning, both parents guard the eggs and fry aggressively.

Breeding Tips:

• Use a flat surface like a rock for spawning.
• Maintain stable water parameters and increase the temperature slightly (around 80°F) to encourage breeding.

• Green Terrors (Andinoacara rivulatus).
• Convict Cichlids (Amatitlania nigrofasciata).
• Oscars (Astronotus ocellatus).
• Avoid housing with smaller or overly passive species to prevent aggression.