TankBud

Blackbelt cichlid

Vieja maculicauda

Also known as Black belt cichlid

FreshwaterFish

Blackbelt cichlid (Vieja maculicauda)
Doronenko · CC BY 3.0

Care at a glance

Temperature
72–82°F
22–28°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Adult size
12.6 in
32 cm
Minimum tank
66 gal
250 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Omnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Substrate spawner · Hard
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Central America

Overview

The blackbelt cichlid is a large, muscular and often aggressive fish for a big tank. It suits a keeper with a little experience.

Did you know

The blackbelt cichlid's species name, maculicauda, means spotted tail, a nod to the dark blotch at the base of the tail fin. Despite its bulk and temper, much of its natural diet is plant material and detritus rather than other fish.

Caring for the blackbelt cichlid

Give a blackbelt cichlid at least 66 gal (250 L) for one adult, with more room for a pair or tough companions. Use rockwork and sturdy driftwood over a sandy floor to set up clear boundaries. These fish redecorate as they please, so bolt down delicate decor or leave it out. Rooted plants are likely to be dug up or eaten, so stick to a few tough or floating plants.

Keep the water fresh and neutral to slightly hard, at 72 to 82°F (22 to 28°C) and a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It is an omnivore that leans toward plant matter. Feed a good cichlid pellet with plenty of vegetable content, plus occasional frozen or live foods.

It is best kept alone or as a single bonded pair. A mature fish, and especially a spawning pair, will claim a wide territory and drive off anything that comes near. Choose tank mates with caution, and make them robust, such as other large Central American cichlids or plecos.

It is a substrate spawner that lays its eggs on a cleaned rock or log. Both parents guard the eggs, then herd the free-swimming fry. Breeding is hard, since a compatible pair can turn on each other. The fish also need a lot of space to settle and raise a brood safely.

Good to know

Vieja maculicauda is a member of the cichlid family, Cichlidae, and one of the heavier-bodied Central American cichlids. The blackbelt name comes from the broad dark band across the middle of an adult's body. That band contrasts with a pale ground color and a red flush on the throat and belly.

In the wild

The blackbelt cichlid ranges along the Atlantic slope of Central America, through rivers, lakes and coastal lagoons from southern Mexico to Panama. It tolerates a wide range of conditions and is sometimes found in slightly brackish estuaries.

Common questions

What size tank does a blackbelt cichlid need?

A blackbelt cichlid needs at least 66 gal (250 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a blackbelt cichlid need?

A blackbelt cichlid is comfortable at 72–82°F (22–28°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.5.

What does a blackbelt cichlid eat?

A blackbelt cichlid is an omnivore that leans toward plant matter. Feed it a good cichlid pellet with plenty of vegetable content, plus occasional frozen or live foods.

How big does a blackbelt cichlid get?

An adult blackbelt cichlid reaches about 12.6 in (32 cm).

How does a blackbelt cichlid breed?

The blackbelt cichlid lays its eggs on a cleaned rock or log, and both parents guard the eggs and herd the fry. Breeding is hard, since pairs can turn on each other.

Related species