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.
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.