Silver Cichlid (Vieja argentea) Care Guide
Vieja argentea is a large silvery cichlid from the Usumacinta basin of Mexico, also classified in the genus Maskaheros.
Overview
Vieja argentea is a large Central American cichlid with a silvery, iridescent body. It is also treated under the genus name Maskaheros as Maskaheros argenteus. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 27 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Vieja
- Scientific name: Vieja argentea
- Also classified as: Maskaheros argenteus
Habitat
The species occurs on the Atlantic slope of Central America in the Usumacinta River basin of Mexico. FishBase describes it as a benthopelagic freshwater fish, at temperatures of 26-30 °C.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
The record classifies Vieja argentea as an omnivore (FishBase trophic level about 3.3, estimated from close relatives). In the aquarium a mixed diet of prepared, vegetable and meaty foods is appropriate.
Compatibility
It is a large, territorial cichlid best housed with similarly sized Central American species in a spacious aquarium; small fish and live plants are generally unsuitable.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018).