Redhead Cichlid (Vieja melanura) Care Guide
Vieja melanura is a large detritivorous cichlid of the Atlantic slope of Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, with a dark caudal band and herbivorous diet.
Overview
Vieja melanura is a large Central American cichlid. It carries a horizontal dark bar, often patchy or mottled, at the base of the tail, with a caudal stripe extending downward from the peduncle. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 35 cm. The hobby name Vieja synspila is treated as a junior synonym of this species.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Vieja
- Scientific name: Vieja melanura
- Junior synonym: Vieja synspila
Habitat
The species occurs on the Atlantic slope of Central America in the Río Grijalva-Usumacinta system and the Petén lake district, across Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. It inhabits rivers, lakes and lagoons with slow-moving or standing water and tolerates brackish conditions up to about 5 ppt. FishBase lists a temperature range of 24-30 °C, pH 7.0-8.0 and hardness 9-20 dH.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.0
- GH: 8-18 °dGH
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet
Adults are largely herbivorous and detritivorous (FishBase trophic level about 2.6), consuming detritus, plant matter and aquatic macrophytes, while juveniles begin as planktivores. A diet emphasising vegetable matter is appropriate in captivity.
Compatibility
In aquaria individuals tend to be aggressive. Bonded pairs generally coexist, though males may bully females. A spacious tank with robust tank mates of similar size is recommended; small fish are unsuitable.
Breeding
The species is oviparous and highly fecund, reaching maturity at around 10 cm. Females may produce around 300-500 fry per spawning and up to about 1,000 eggs per year, with biparental care of the brood.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Data Deficient.