CichlidaeFreshwater Fishintermediate
Vieja melanura 'Quetzal Cichlid'
Vieja melanura
Origin: Guatemala, Mexico
V
Water Parameters
Temperature24–28 °C
15 °C35 °C
pH7–8
49
GH (Hardness)10–20 °dGH
0 °dGH30 °dGH
KH (Alkalinity)5–15 °dKH
0 °dKH20 °dKH
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 35 cm
- Min Tank
- 300 L
- Lifespan
- 15+
- Swimming Level
- middle
- Schooling
- No
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- semi-aggressive; pairs during breeding
About
Vieja melanura (formerly Cichlasoma melanura), the Quetzal Cichlid or Rainbow Cichlid, is a large, strikingly coloured cichlid from Guatemala. Iridescent blue, green, orange and red scales. Named after the sacred Quetzal bird of the Maya. Impressive and intelligent.
Care Guide
300 L+ tank. Temperature 24–28°C, pH 7.0–8.0, GH 10–20. Aggressive during breeding — large tank essential for community. Feed quality cichlid pellets, vegetables, frozen foods.
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