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.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Paratheraps fenestratus Breeding Guide
Overview
The record name Paratheraps fenestratus refers to the same fish widely listed as Vieja fenestrata. According to Seriously Fish it is endemic to western Mexico between the Papaloapan and Chachalacas rivers, where it predominantly inhabits clear lakes with sandy or muddy substrates and beds of aquatic plants, and also occurs in slower river sections. It reaches about 12 inches (30 cm) standard length.
Sexing
Seriously Fish reports that males are larger and more vibrant, display a nuchal hump, and have extended dorsal and anal fins compared with females.
Breeding Setup
Seriously Fish lists a temperature of 74-86 degrees F (23-30 degrees C), a pH around 7.0 and hardness up to about 15 degrees H. A breeding tank should be roomy with neutral, moderately hard water and a sand substrate plus large flat stones, reflecting the natural habitat. The Aquairi record classifies the species as a substrate spawner of intermediate breeding difficulty.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Seriously Fish describes the pair selecting a large stone or sometimes a cave as the spawning site, removing debris before spawning begins. The male may show aggression during this phase, and if it becomes excessive the female should be removed.
Egg & Fry Care
According to Seriously Fish the eggs hatch within 2-3 days and the fry become free-swimming about four days later. Initial food consists of newly hatched brine shrimp, progressing to microworms and fry foods. The adults make excellent parents but can turn aggressive toward their offspring when ready to spawn again, so the fry should be removed at that point.