| Scientific Name: Vieja maculicauda |
| Pronunciation: v
|
| Common Name(s): Black Belt Cichlid |
| Geo. Origin: South Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama and Costa Rica |
| Habitat: Calm Pools and Backwaters |
| Diet: Omnivore |
| Gender Differences: Dimorphic |
| Breeding: Substrate Spawner |
| Temperament: Aggressive |
| Conspecific Temperament: Aggressive |
| Maximum Size: 16" |
| Temperature: 76 - 80°F |
| pH: 7.0 - 8.0 |
| Water Hardness: Neutral |
| Difficulty: 3 |
Images: |
Adult Adult John G. Shedd Aquarium John G. Shedd Aquarium Adult 7 year old female 7 year old female Fisherman's boat Wild specimen |
Photo Credit: Esben Sebastian Karlsson |
Articles: |
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Comments: |
A large growing, relatively aggressive cichlid. Males are larger and heavier bodied than the females. If more than one, adult individual is to be kept in the (home-sized) aquarium, stock as established, compatible pairs in minimum sized, six foot long tanks to curb aggression problems. Colorful adults will all typically display the black, lateral band down each flank giving this species justification for it's namesake, 'Black Belt'. |