Mayan cichlid - Mayaheros urophthalmus

Scientific name: Mayaheros urophthalmus

Common name: Mayan cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 20 - 27 cm (7.87 - 10.63 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6.7 - 8

Recommended water hardness: 8 - 18°N (142.86 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 20 - 27 °C (68 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Central America

Temperament to its own species: peaceful to females

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

General Information

The Mayan cichlid (Mayaheros urophthalmus, long known in the hobby as Cichlasoma urophthalmus) is a robust Central American cichlid native to the Atlantic-slope drainages from Mexico (incl. Yucatán) to Nicaragua. It also has introduced populations in South Florida (Everglades/Florida Bay). In nature it uses freshwater marshes, lagoons, mangroves and even marine-influenced creeks; adults are euryhaline and tolerate brackish to near-marine salinity. A bold, territorial predator, it’s best reserved for spacious tanks and experienced keepers.

Food and Feeding

An opportunistic carnivore/omnivore. Offer quality sinking cichlid pellets/sticks as the staple, plus meaty items such as fish/shrimp pieces, krill, mysis, brine shrimp, bloodworms, and occasional vegetable matter (e.g., spirulina wafers). Avoid mammalian/avian meats. Feed modest portions 1–2× daily and maintain excellent filtration.

Sexing

External differences are subtle. Males often grow larger with stronger coloration (red/pink suffusion when in breeding condition); reliable sexing usually depends on mature size/behavior.

Breeding

A biparental substrate spawner. A bonded pair cleans a hard surface (rock/slate) or a shallow pit; both parents guard eggs, wrigglers and fry. Spawning occurs in fresh or brackish water in nature, typically when temperatures are ≥19 °C. Fecundity per spawn is on the order of a few hundred eggs. Fry accept newly hatched brine shrimp and finely powdered foods once free-swimming.

Lifespan

Commonly 8–11 years under good care; wild growth/longevity vary by population.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

• Tank size: a single adult or bonded pair needs a large footprint—aim for 120×50 cm (4×1.6 ft) minimum; bigger is better for water quality and managing aggression.
• Substrate & layout: sand/fine gravel, sturdy rocks/wood to form territories, and open lanes for swimming; strong biological filtration and high oxygenation.
• Water: pH ~6.7–8.0, hardness ~8–18 °dH, temperature 20–27 °C. Keep parameters stable; the species tolerates a range (incl. low-end brackish), but long-term aquarium care is simplest in fresh water.
• Maintenance: substantial, regular water changes (30–50% weekly) due to high protein diet and adult biomass.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Territorial and predatory. Keep singly or as a proven pair. Do not mix with small fish (prey risk). If combining, choose other large, robust Central American cichlids or comparably sized fish and provide multiple territories. Expect escalated aggression during breeding.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Mid–lower water column (benthopelagic): cruises above the substrate, making darting sorties. Provide line-of-sight breaks to diffuse aggression.

Short Description

Mayan cichlid (Mayaheros/Cichlasoma urophthalmus) is a large, euryhaline Central American cichlid. Keep in spacious, well-filtered, alkaline tanks with robust tankmates or alone. Biparental substrate spawner; adults show strong territorial defense and striking coloration in breeding condition.

Q&A

• How big do they really get? Aquarium adults commonly reach 20–27 cm TL; wild maxima to ~39 cm TL are documented—plan tank size accordingly.
• Is Florida part of the native range? No. South Florida populations are introduced (established since the 1980s).
• Fresh or brackish? Native populations use both; they can spawn in fresh or brackish water. For aquaria, stable fresh water is recommended unless you have brackish experience.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.