Redhead Cichlid (Vieja synspila) Care Guide
Vieja synspila is a large Mexican cichlid widely known in the hobby; it is regarded as a junior synonym of Vieja melanura and is one parent of the blood parrot hybrid.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Vieja synspila is a large Central American cichlid long established in the aquarium hobby, where it is also called the Redhead or Quetzal cichlid. It is regarded as a junior synonym of Vieja melanura, so the two names refer to the same biological species. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 35 cm for Vieja melanura.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Vieja
- Scientific name: Vieja synspila
- Junior synonym of: Vieja melanura
- Other usage: Paratheraps synspilus
Habitat
As Vieja melanura, the species occurs on the Atlantic slope of Central America in the Usumacinta River drainage across Mexico, Guatemala and Belize, in rivers, lakes and lagoons. 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), feeding on detritus, plant matter and macrophytes, while juveniles begin as planktivores. A vegetable-rich diet is appropriate in captivity.
Compatibility
In aquaria individuals tend to be territorial and aggressive. A bonded pair generally coexists, but the species needs a spacious tank with robust tank mates of similar size; small fish are unsuitable. It is one of the parent species of the man-made blood parrot hybrid.
Breeding
As Vieja melanura, the species is oviparous and highly fecund, maturing at around 10 cm, with females producing roughly 300-500 fry per spawning and up to about 1,000 eggs per year, with biparental care.
Vieja synspila Breeding Guide
Overview
Vieja synspila, the Redhead or Quetzal cichlid, is a large cichlid native to the Usumacinta and adjacent drainages of Guatemala, Mexico and Belize. It is a biparental substrate-spawner. Recent DNA work indicates that V. synspila is the same species as Vieja melanura, so the two names refer to one fish; the record name Vieja synspila is retained here.
Sexing
Males are generally larger, more intensely coloured and develop a nuchal hump as they mature, with pronounced dorsal and anal fins. Females have a more rounded body and subdued colours. The species reaches about 30 cm, occasionally larger, with females staying slightly smaller than males.
Conditioning
A compatible pair is conditioned on a varied diet in a stable, mature aquarium. Because males can become aggressive at breeding time, ample space and structure are provided beforehand.
Breeding Setup
- Temperature around 24-28 °C.
- pH around 7.0-7.5 with hardness around GH 8-12.
- A flat stone as the spawning site, kept clean by the pair.
- A large tank with hiding spots, given the species' size and aggression.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The pair selects a flat stone and meticulously cleans the surface before egg laying. The male may show increased aggression during this period, and after spawning the pair guards the eggs.
Egg & Fry Care
Eggs are laid and fertilised on the polished stone and hatch after about three days; the young swim free roughly a week later. Fry are raised on fine foods such as crushed flake or Artemia nauplii and are cared for by both parents.
Common Challenges
The main challenges are size, aggression and the large tank required. The recorded breeding type is substrate-spawner, matching the biparental stone spawning described by the sources used here. Note the synonymy with Vieja melanura reported by these sources.