Central American Cichlid | Synspilum Cichlid

Scientific Name: Vieja melanurus Common Name: Synspilum Cichlid, Quetzal Cichlid, Redhead Cichlid, Firehead Cichlid Adult Size: 16 inches Life Expectancy: 9 - 12 years Habitat: Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico.  Minimum Tank Size: 100 gallons Ideal Tank Conditions: Temperature Range: 70 - 82°F pH Range: 6.0 - 8.0 Water Hardness: 5 - 15 Temperament: Generally considered to be a peaceful and social cichlid species compared to some of its more aggressive relatives. However, it's important to note that their behavior can vary based on factors such as tank size, territorial disputes, and breeding behavior. Diet & Nutrition: Requires a balanced diet in order to retain its colors. Slow sinking pellets and wafers, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, krill, chopped cockle, chopped mussel meat and prawns are recommended. Be sure to provide a vegetable component to the diet, such as spinach, lettuce and cucumber. Breeding  & Spawning: Prior to spawning, th