Vieja maculicauda

Vieja maculicauda, the Black Belt Cichlid, is one of the most easily identified large Central American cichlids owing to its broad black midlateral band stretching from the pectoral region to the caudal peduncle. In breeding condition this band becomes intensely black against a body that flushes with yellow-orange-red. Found in large river systems on the Atlantic slope of Guatemala and Honduras, this species thrives in warm, moderately hard, neutral to alkaline water. Its large size and plant-eating habits necessitate a robustly furnished aquarium without delicate vegetation.

Water: 22–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0, moderately hard (GH 8–18). Tank: Minimum 450L; large rocks, driftwood structures, and robust substrate; no delicate plants. Feeding: Herbivore; spirulina pellets, algae wafers, blanched courgette, spinach, and cichlid pellets. Breeding: Flat-surface spawner; brood sizes are large; parents extremely aggressive during guarding. Compatibility: With other large robust Central American cichlids; unsuitable for community tanks.