The Black Belt Cichlid, a captivating and somewhat assertive Central American Cichlid, boasts a distinct black band encircling its mid-section, coupled with vibrant red hues adorning its caudal fins and chin. When considering tank mates, it's crucial to note their potential aggression, particularly towards smaller fish, often viewing them as prey. Thus, maintaining them in a species-specific tank might be optimal, although they may coexist with similarly sized, assertive fish capable of holding their ground against a Black Belt.
With the capability of reaching sizes of up to 12 inches, these cichlids require spacious tanks with regular water changes. Being omnivorous, they readily consume most aquarium plants and are known to rearrange substrate and smaller hardscape elements with their digging behavior, necessitating thoughtful aquascape planning.
An intriguing trait of the Black Belt Cichlid is its intelligence, often exhibiting the ability to recognize and respond to specific owners. Given their intelligence and spirited nature, understanding key aspects of caring for these fish is essential for a fulfilling ownership experience.
- Species – Vieja Maculicauda
- Common Name – Black Belt
- Origin – Belize, Guatemala, and Mexico
- Diet – Omnivores
- PH Range – 6 – 8
- Temperature – Tropical 24°c – 28°c
- Breed Type – Egg Layer
- Current Size – approximately 5cm (Grows to approximately 30cm)
- Sex – Un-sexed