Paratheraps fenestratus Care Guide
Paratheraps fenestratus is a large Mexican cichlid, also known as Vieja fenestrata, from Atlantic-slope rivers and lakes of southern Mexico.
Overview
Paratheraps fenestratus is a large Central American cichlid from southern Mexico. It is widely treated as a synonym of Vieja fenestrata, the genus Vieja being regarded as equivalent to Paratheraps. It is a deep-bodied member of the heroine cichlids.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Paratheraps
- Scientific name: Paratheraps fenestratus
- Synonym: Vieja fenestrata (Günther, 1860)
Habitat
The species occurs on the Atlantic slope of Mexico, from the Papaloapan River to the Chachalacas River basin, including Lake Catemaco and its tributaries. It inhabits lakes and the lower reaches of rivers, preferring mesotrophic waters with a mud or sand bottom.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 450 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet
The species feeds predominantly on plant and vegetable matter, supplemented by invertebrates and aquatic insects, and has an omnivorous-to-herbivorous trophic level. In the aquarium a vegetable-rich diet with prepared foods is appropriate.
Compatibility
As a large, semi-aggressive cichlid it is best kept with other robust Central American cichlids and large catfish. It is not plant-safe and is unsuitable with small fish that may be harassed or eaten.
Breeding
Like other Vieja-group cichlids it is a substrate spawner that deposits eggs on a firm surface, with both parents guarding the eggs and fry.