Southern checkmark cichlid - Chuco godmanni

Scientific name: Chuco godmanni

Common name: Southern checkmark cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 25 - 30 cm (9.84 - 11.81 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 7 - 7.7

Recommended water hardness: 10 - 20°N (178.57 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°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

General Information

Scientific name: Chuco godmanni (often traded as Vieja or Theraps godmanni). A high-bodied heroine cichlid endemic to eastern Guatemala, restricted to the upper Lake Izabal basin—primarily the Polochic, Cahabón and Río Dulce drainages. In nature it inhabits cooler, fast-flowing river reaches and foothill runoffs; adults occur solitary or in pairs. Typical maximum is about 30 cm TL, though aquarium adults more often reach the mid-20s cm.

Food & Feeding

C. godmanni is omnivorous with a strong herbivorous bias, adapted to grazing fresh vegetation and aufwuchs. Make the staple quality vegetable-rich cichlid pellets and spirulina flakes; rotate blanched greens (spinach, zucchini), algae wafers, plus modest portions of animal protein such as mysis, krill, chopped shrimp or bloodworms. Keep animal protein in moderation to avoid digestive issues and excess aggression; offer 1–2 small meals daily.

Sexing

Sexual dimorphism is limited: mature males may grow larger with subtly more extended unpaired fins; females tend to be fuller-bellied when gravid. Venting is the most reliable method for pairs.

Breeding

Biparental substrate spawner. In the wild, adults are encountered as pairs; like related Middle American cichlids they clean a rock or flat and guard eggs and fry intensely. Home-aquarium spawnings are infrequent; provide a large tank with flat stones, strong oxygenation and seasonally cooler, very clean water to mimic river conditions. Remove tankmates during breeding due to heightened territoriality. (Reports of “no aquarium breeding” are outdated/over-general.)

Lifespan

Typically 8–10 years with excellent water quality and a high-fibre, plant-forward diet; large, riverine cichlids often achieve a decade in captivity.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

• Footprint & volume: powerful swimmers that need space; for a pair plan ~450 L / 120 cm (4′) minimum, larger for communities.
• Water: pH 7.0–7.7; hardness ~10–20 °dH; temperature 24–28 °C (keep oxygen high; brief cooler spells are natural for foothill rivers).
• Flow & oxygenation: provide moderate current, vigorous aeration and robust biofiltration—this species comes from clear, well-oxygenated rivers.
• Décor: sand or fine gravel with large rock piles, smooth boulders and open lanes. Rooted plants may be uprooted; use tough species or secure décor firmly.
• Maintenance: low nitrate and organics are critical; schedule substantial weekly water changes.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Not a peaceful cichlid. Adults are territorial, especially in pairs. Combine only with similarly robust Middle American cichlids of comparable size, large characins, or sturdy catfish in very large tanks. Avoid small fish (prey risk) and delicate species; manage sight-lines with hardscape to diffuse aggression. Field notes describing adults solitary or in pairs support keeping either a single specimen or a compatible pair rather than groups.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Middle to lower levels: patrols rock faces and open sand/gravel, sifting and browsing; becomes highly site-attached when guarding a nest. Provide open swimming lanes with strong filtration/flow, plus flat stones for staging.

Short Description

Southern checkmark cichlid (Chuco/Vieja godmanni) is a large, riverine Guatemalan cichlid specialized for fast, clear water and a plant-rich diet. Keep in big, clean, well-oxygenated systems with rock structure; house as a single or pair and expect assertive territorial behavior during breeding.

Q&A

• South America or Central America? Central America—specifically eastern Guatemala (upper Lake Izabal basin: Polochic, Cahabón, Río Dulce).
• Accepted name? Many modern sources use Chuco godmanni; Vieja/Theraps godmanni are widely used synonyms in the hobby due to taxonomic reshuffles.
• How big? To about 30 cm TL (male/unsexed max). Plan tankmates and tank size accordingly.
• Peaceful? No—adults are territorial, often solitary or paired. Keep with robust companions only, in large aquaria.

Picture

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