Black Belt Cichlid

Vieja maculicauda is native to Atlantic-slope rivers and coastal lagoons of Guatemala and Belize, where it inhabits slow-moving lowland waters. Its most distinctive feature is a broad black saddle band across the posterior flanks, contrasting with a silvery or faintly rose-tinted body. Sexually dimorphic — males are larger with a more pronounced nuchal hump and red-orange colouration on the lower body when breeding. This is an energetic, large-growing species needing substantial space.

Water: 24–30°C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderate to hard (GH 10–20). Tank: 500L+ for adults; open sandy substrate with large rock arrangements and wood. Feeding: Omnivore; high plant matter in diet; spirulina pellets, vegetables, and frozen foods. Behaviour: Semi-aggressive; pairs spawn on flat surfaces; defend fry strongly. Compatibility: Compatible with other large robust cichlids such as other Vieja and large Herichthys species.