Southern checkmark cichlid - Vieja godmanni
Scientific name: Vieja godmanni
Common name: Southern checkmark cichlid
Family: Cichlidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 26 - 31 cm (10.24 - 12.2 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 7.7
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 19°N (178.57 - 339.29ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 24 - 28 °C (75.2 - 82.4°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: South 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
Southern checkmark cichlid will accept quality flake or cichlid pellets but requires some vegetable matter in its diet. Spirulina flake is ideal for this fish along with some spinach and peas.
Origin
South America; Southern checkmark cichlid is to be found in Belize, Costa Rica, and Guatemala
Sexing
Males tend to be slightly larger than the females and may have extended finnage.
Breeding
There are no reported cases of Southern checkmark cichlids breeding in the aquarium, it is believed that they breed like many cichlids by depositing their eggs on a flat surface and both parents will tend the brood.
Lifespan
The expected life span of Vieja godmanni is believed to be 8-10 years.
Short description
Water quality needs to be high to keep Vieja godmanni with regular water changes and good filtration. They will require a large tank with plenty of open swimming space.