Edit Vieja melanurus
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Name
Scientific name
Vieja melanurus
Described by
Authority Günther, Year 1862, Bracketed
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Redhead Cichlid
Photograph credits
All 2 credited
Summary
The redhead cichlid, Vieja melanurus, is a large cichlid endemic to the River Usumacinta basin in Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. The most co…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
350mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Not recorded
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 24–30°C, pH 7–7
Hardness
10–15dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Belize, Guatemala, Mexico
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to the River Usumacinta basin which covers areas of Mexico and Guatemala, as well as extending into Belize.
Habitat
Tends to be found in still or slow-moving, lowland parts of rivers and also numerous lakes. It's sometimes found in mildly brackish conditions, although it's u…
Aquarium size
48" x 24" x 24" (120cm x 60cm x 60cm) - 500 litres. For a pair of adult fish.
Maintenance
Tank setup is not critical as the fish will arrange the decor to suit itself. Rocks, bogwood and branches can be used but ensure they are securely positioned t…
Water conditions
Temperature: 24 – 30 °C pH: 7.0 Hardness: 10 - 15°H
Diet
Primarily herbivorous in the wild, this species is not a fussy eater in captivity. Use a good quality cichlid pellet as the staple diet. Supplement this with m…
Behaviour and compatibility
A moderately aggressive species. It may be possible to successfully keep this species in a community of robust Central American cichlids, if enough rock and bo…
Sexual dimorphism
The male is the larger fish, is more colourful and develops a nuchal hump. Dorsal and anal finnage is also extended.
Reproduction
The main challenge inbreeding this species is getting the pair to co-exist in the same tank! If this can be achieved, then the fish should spawn readily. The p…
Notes
Widely and incorrectly referred to as vieja synspillum, this colourful fish is the most commonly available of the vieja species to the hobby. Although not as a…
References
References
No references