Moga Cichlid

Hypsophrys nicaraguensis is endemic to the great Nicaraguan lakes — Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua. Its common name 'Moga' comes from the local Nicaraguan name for the species. Adult males are among the most colourful of all Central American cichlids, displaying iridescent pink to purple on the lower flanks contrasting with a tan to olive upper body and reddish fins. Females show golden-yellow colouration. This species is an open-water substrate spawner that forms large breeding pairs.

Water: 23–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderate to hard (GH 10–20). Tank: 300L minimum for a pair; open sandy substrate with rocks and wood along perimeter. Feeding: Omnivore; plant matter forms a large part of natural diet; offer pellets, spirulina, and frozen foods. Behaviour: Semi-aggressive; males can be dominant; pairs spawn on flat surfaces and guard fry actively. Compatibility: Best with other large robust cichlids; avoid pairing with very aggressive species.