Jaguar Cichlid (Parachromis managuensis) Care Guide
Parachromis managuensis is a large, highly predatory Central American cichlid requiring a very large tank and careful tankmate selection.
Overview
Parachromis managuensis, the jaguar cichlid, is a large, highly predatory cichlid from Central America with a leopard-like spotted pattern. It is a powerful, territorial fish that requires a very large aquarium and is generally housed only with conspecifics or comparably large, robust tankmates.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Parachromis
- Scientific name: Parachromis managuensis
- Common synonyms: Cichlasoma managuense, Herichthys managuense, Nandopsis managuense
Habitat
Native to the Atlantic slope of Central America, from the Ulúa River in Honduras to the Matina River basin in Costa Rica. It prefers turbid, eutrophic lakes with mud bottoms and tolerates warm, oxygen-poor water.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 600 L
- Temperature: 25-29 °C (77-84 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
Diet
A highly predaceous carnivore. Adults feed mainly on small fishes, while juveniles take a variety of macroinvertebrates. FishBase reports a high trophic level of about 4.0.
Compatibility
An aggressive, territorial species. It is unsuitable for typical community setups and will prey on or harass smaller fish. Suitable companions are limited to other large, robust species such as large plecos, while most fish and smaller cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
A substrate spawner that forms pairs and provides biparental care of eggs and fry, typical of the genus.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2020).