Twoband cichlid - Vieja bifasciata

Scientific name: Vieja bifasciata

Common name: Twoband cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 26 - 30 cm (10.24 - 11.81 inch)

014

Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 7.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 23°N (178.57 - 410.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 28 °C (71.6 - 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

Food and feeding

In the wild Twoband cichlids are constantly grazing on algae so a high vegetable matter diet is required. Feed them spirulina flake, a vegetable based flake, spinach and shelled peas. Supplement this with treats of blood worms, brine shrimp and chopped prawns.

Origin

Central America; Twoband cichlids are found in Mexico and Guatemala.

Sexing

Males are larger and display a brighter colouration. The females will look drab in contrast to the males.

Breeding

Add bog wood and flat rocks to provide potential spawning sites for the fish. Once a site has been chosen and cleaned by the fish the eggs will be deposited and the female will guard the nest while the male defends the territory. After 72 hours the eggs should hatch and a few days later the fry will be free swimming. At this stage the fry will require feeding 2-3 times per day of newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Vieja bifasciata is 5-8 years.

Short description

The temperament of Vieja bifasciata can vary with each individual. Even the male in a bonded pair can suddenly turn on the female with no warning so always look out for this. They are not demanding on their requirements but they will need regular water changes as they are high waste producers.

Picture

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