Nicaragua Cichlid Care Guide
Hypsophrys nicaraguensis, the Nicaragua cichlid, is a colorful, comparatively peaceful cichlid from Atlantic-slope waters of Nicaragua and Costa Rica.
Overview
Hypsophrys nicaraguensis, the Nicaragua cichlid or moga, is a colorful Central American cichlid also known as the macaw or butterfly cichlid. FishBase records it from the Atlantic slope, from the San Juan drainage including Lake Nicaragua to the Matina River in Costa Rica. It is comparatively peaceful for its size.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Hypsophrys
- Scientific name: Hypsophrys nicaraguensis
Habitat
It is a freshwater, benthopelagic species of lakes and rivers with slow to moderate currents at elevations between about 5 and 200 m (FishBase).
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Maximum size: about 20 cm TL
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet
It is an omnivore. FishBase reports that juveniles consume aquatic insects while adults feed on bottom detritus, seeds, leaves, snails and other molluscs. It accepts varied prepared foods in captivity.
Compatibility
Compared with typical Central American cichlids it is semi-aggressive, making it one of the better large community options. Suitable companions include other Central American cichlids, bristlenose plecos and silver dollars; very small fish should be avoided.
Breeding
It is a cave spawner. Females produce roughly 200-400 non-adhesive eggs deposited in excavated depressions, and communal egg-guarding by groups of females has been recorded.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern, assessed in 2019.