Mayan cichlid - Cichlasoma urophthalmus

Scientific name: Cichlasoma urophthalmus

Common name: Mayan cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 37 - 41 cm (14.57 - 16.14 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.7 - 8

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

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 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

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

The Mayan Cichlid will accept most foods offered but they do need as varied diet to keep them interested. Use quality flake or pellets as the main diet but also provide bi-weekly treats of blood worms, brine shrimp and white worms.

Origin

Central America; Mayan cichlids are found in Eastern Mexico down to Southern Florida.

Sexing

Males tend to be larger than the females and some may display a more vibrant red colour.

Breeding

Provide flat rocks or slate for spawning sites and it is best to separate the breeding pair into their own tank. They are both excellent parents and once the eggs are laid, they will share the parental duties. When the fry are free swimming they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or Infusoria for the first 7 days, after this they will accept crushed flake and adult brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Mayan cichlid is 6-8 years.

Short description

Like most of the large cichlids, Cichlasoma urophthalmus produce a lot of waste, a good filtration system with regular water changes are a must. Never keep Mayan cichlids with smaller tank mates, they will eat them, they are best kept with other large fish of the same temperament.

Picture

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