Cichlid
Care basics
Vieja melanura, often sold as the redhead cichlid and also known as Vieja synspila, is a large Central American cichlid with a red head and a dark band along the body. Colors deepen as the fish matures.
It needs a very large tank, strong filtration and a diet based on vegetable matter. Keep it with other large, robust cichlids.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Vieja melanura |
|---|---|
| Group | Central American |
| Native to | Usumacinta River basin of Mexico and Guatemala, and Belize |
| Adult size | About 12 inches or more |
| Tank size | 125 gallons or more for an adult |
| Temperature | 75 to 84 F |
| pH | 7.0 to 8.0 |
| Diet | Mostly plants. Spirulina and vegetable based pellets, plus greens such as blanched zucchini |
| Temperament | Territorial and aggressive, especially when breeding. |
Good tank mates
Other large Central American cichlids, large plecos. Always match size, temperament and water needs, and add new fish to a cycled tank after quarantine.
Sizes and ranges are typical hobby figures. Individual fish vary. Questions about your tank? Ask us.
