Maya Theraps (Wajpamheros nourissati) Care Guide
Wajpamheros nourissati is a Central American stream cichlid from the Usumacinta basin, reaching about 22 cm and needing strong flow and clean water.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Wajpamheros nourissati, the bluemouth cichlid, is a Central American cichlid described by Allgayer in 1989. It is the only species in its genus and was previously classified under Theraps, Amphilophus and Cichlasoma. The genus name derives from the Maya Chol word "wajpam" referring to its substrate-sifting feeding habit. It reaches up to about 22 cm and requires strong flow and clean water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Wajpamheros (monotypic)
- Scientific name: Wajpamheros nourissati
- Described by: Allgayer, 1989
- Common synonyms: Theraps nourissati, Amphilophus nourissati, Cichlasoma nourissati
Habitat
The species is endemic to the Usumacinta River basin in southern Mexico and Guatemala, where it is widely distributed in rivers, creeks and lakes. It occurs over varied substrates including sand, clay, gravel, marl and rock, at depths from the surface down to about 8 metres and altitudes up to roughly 300 metres.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 22-27 °C (72-81 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Water flow: strong
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Wajpamheros nourissati is an omnivore that sifts the substrate for food, a behaviour reflected in its genus name. In aquaria a varied diet of quality prepared foods alongside frozen and occasional vegetable items is appropriate, offered twice daily.
Compatibility
A semi-aggressive, large-growing cichlid best housed with other robust Central American cichlids or large plecos in spacious tanks. Small fish and live plants are not suitable, as the fish disturbs planting and may prey on smaller tankmates.
Breeding
The species is a substrate spawner. Breeding difficulty is considered intermediate.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.
Theraps heterospilus Breeding Guide
Overview
The record latin name Theraps heterospilus corresponds to the bluemouth cichlid, Wajpamheros nourissati (Allgayer, 1989), the only known member of its genus and previously known as Theraps nourissati, Amphilophus nourissati and Cichlasoma nourissati. According to Wikipedia it is endemic to the Usumacinta River basin in southern Mexico and Guatemala, where it is widely distributed in rivers, creeks and lakes, and reaches up to 22 cm (8.7 in) in total length. The IUCN lists it as Least Concern.
Breeding Setup
As a medium-large Central American cichlid from rivers, creeks and lakes, this species needs a spacious tank with a sand substrate and rockwork or other solid surfaces. The Aquairi record classifies it as a substrate spawner of intermediate breeding difficulty, so flat stones and sheltered surfaces should be offered as potential spawning sites and the water kept warm, clean and well filtered.
Common Challenges
Detailed spawning accounts for this species from peer-reviewed or specialist editorial sources are limited. The main difficulties are pairing a territorial cichlid that can reach 22 cm and providing enough space to absorb aggression around a spawning site. Specific spawn sizes, egg and fry development times are not documented in the sources consulted and are omitted here.