Red bay snook - Petenia splendida

Scientific name: Petenia splendida

Common name: Red bay snook

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 30 - 35 cm (11.81 - 13.78 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 6.8 - 7.8

Recommended water hardness: 5 - 20°N (89.29 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 25 - 28 °C (77 - 82.4°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

Overview

Petenia splendida, known as the Red Bay Snook, is a large predatory cichlid native to Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize. Its streamlined body, extended jaws, and variable coloration (ranging from silver-gray to deep red morphs) make it one of the most striking Central American cichlids. In the wild it inhabits rivers, lagoons, and lakes with slow to moderate flow.

Care & Tank Setup

• Tank size: A single adult requires 450–600 l / 120–160 gal. Pairs or communities demand larger systems (750+ l).
• Water parameters: pH 6.8–7.8, hardness 5–20 °dGH, temperature 25–28 °C (77–82 °F). Ensure stable, clean water with strong filtration.
• Aquascape: Open swimming areas combined with driftwood, large rocks, and sturdy plants (if any). Floating cover reduces skittishness.
• Filtration: High-output filtration with additional mechanical support. Perform 30–40% weekly water changes.

Diet & Feeding

A true predator with a capacious mouth; opportunistic in the wild, feeding on fish, insects, and crustaceans.

• Staples: High-quality carnivore pellets and large cichlid sticks.
• Protein sources: Fish fillet, prawns, earthworms, mussels, crickets.
• Live/frozen: Can be offered occasionally but avoid routine feeder fish (disease risk and poor nutrition).
• Behavior: Bold individuals may learn to accept food directly from the keeper’s hand.

Behavior & Compatibility

• Conspecifics: Semi-aggressive; juveniles may cohabit, but adults require space and hierarchy. Pairs can be stable if bonded.
• Other fish: Do not keep with small or slender-bodied fish — they will be eaten. Best companions are large, robust Central American cichlids, armored catfish, or similarly sized fish.

Sexing

Sexual dimorphism is minimal. Males may reach slightly larger sizes and sometimes develop more elongated fins, while females are generally rounder-bodied.

Breeding

Substrate spawners that form pairs. Provide flat rocks or slate for spawning sites. Eggs are pinkish when laid and hatch in 3–4 days. Fry become free swimming in about a week and can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp and crushed flakes. Both parents guard the eggs and fry, though aggression increases during spawning.

Lifespan

With proper care, Red Bay Snooks live 10–12 years. Exceptional individuals may reach 15 years.

Origin

Central America: found in the river systems of Mexico (Usumacinta, Grijalva), Belize, and Guatemala. Prefers calm rivers, lagoons, and lakes with abundant cover.

Short description

Petenia splendida is a large, intelligent predator requiring ample space, excellent filtration, and careful choice of tankmates. Its impressive size and bold behavior make it a centerpiece species for experienced aquarists with very large aquaria.

At-a-Glance (Care Box)

• Size (captive): 30–35 cm (12–14"); wild up to 50 cm
• Temperament: Semi-aggressive; predatory
• pH: 6.8–7.8  |  GH: 5–20 °dGH
• Temp: 25–28 °C (77–82 °F)
• Tank: Single ≥ 450 l / 120 gal; pairs ≥ 750 l / 200 gal
• Diet: Predatory carnivore (pellets, fish, shrimp, worms, insects)
• Breeding: Substrate spawner; biparental care
• Lifespan: 10–12 years (rarely up to 15)

Picture

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