Vieja fenestrata

Endemic to Mexico, occuring both in and between the rivers Papaloapán and Chachalacas.

Predominantly inhabits clear lakes with sandy or muddy substrates and beds of aquatic plants. It's also found in slower-moving parts of some rivers.

120 ∗ 45 ∗ 38 cm48 ∗ 18 ∗ 15 in - ~205 litres~54 US gal for an adult pair.

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 to prevent the aquarium glass being broken, should the fish dislodge them. Sand or fine gravel substrate is recommended. Lighting levels are not critical and decent filtration should be provided.

Temperature: 23 – 30 °C73 – 86 °F

pH: 7.0

Hardness: Up to 15°H

Predominantly herbivorous, although gut analyses of wild specimens have shown that it also feeds on insects and other invertebrates as well as plant matter in nature., this species is not a fussy eater in captivity. Use a good quality cichlid pellet as the staple diet. Supplement this with meaty foods such as prawn, mussel and white fish. Vegetable matter in the form of spirulina or algae wafers should form an important part of the diet.

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 bogwood is provided to form sufficient territories for all the fish. There is no guarantee of success if trying this. A bonded pair will often live quite happily together but care should be taken to ensure the female is not bullied.

The male is the larger fish, is more colourful and develops a nuchal hump. Dorsal and anal finnage is also extended.

Not difficult to breed.

The pair will prepare a site for spawning - usually a large stone or sometimes inside a cave. The site will be claened and any detritus or other obstructions removed. Spawning will then begin on the prepared site and during spawning the male can be aggressive towards the female. This is normal but the female should be removed if the violence becomes excessive.

Eggs hatch in 2 - 3 days and fry are free swimming approximately 4 days thereafter. Fry should be offered newly-hatched brineshrimp as an initial food and from there progressed to microworm, fry foods and crushed adult flake / pellets.

The adults make excellent parents but may begin to grow aggressive towards their brood if they are ready to breed once again. Fry should be removed at this point.

A very attractive fish when in adult colouration, vieja fenestrata is not all that common in the UK hobby. It can is often confused with the more commonly available v. synspila.