Mayan cichlid
Mayaheros urophthalmus
Also known as Mexican mojarra, Orange tiger cichlid, Castarrica, Cichlasoma urophthalmus
FreshwaterBrackishFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–86°F
- 24–30°C
- pH
- 7.0–8.5
- Adult size
- 11.8 in
- 30 cm
- Minimum tank
- 90 gal
- 340 L
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Middle
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Breeding
- Easy
- Rarity
- Common
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Atlantic drainages from Mexico to Nicaragua, in freshwater marshes, mangrove swamps, and brackish coastal lagoons and estuaries.
Overview
A single adult or pair needs a tank of at least 340 liters at 24 to 30 C and pH 7.0 to 8.5, and it accepts brackish water. Provide rockwork and expect digging. Feed a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and some vegetable matter. It is an aggressive, territorial fish best kept alone or with tough tankmates.
In the wild
The Mayan cichlid lives in Atlantic drainages from Mexico to Nicaragua. It occupies freshwater marshes, mangrove swamps, and brackish coastal lagoons and estuaries. It is strongly euryhaline and moves between fresh and salty water with ease. A tank with rockwork, and a little salt in the water, suits it.
Good to know
Mayaheros urophthalmus was described by Gunther in 1862 and reaches about 30 cm. It is marked by a large ocellated spot on the tail base and a row of vertical bars, and breeding fish flush red and orange. It tolerates salinity up to near full seawater, which has made it a successful invader in Florida.
Did you know
It breeds in both fresh and brackish water, and its salt tolerance lets it colonize coastal habitats closed to most other cichlids.
Common questions
What size tank does a Mayan cichlid need?
A Mayan cichlid needs at least 90 gal (340 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.
What temperature and pH does a Mayan cichlid need?
A Mayan cichlid is comfortable at 75–86°F (24–30°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.5.
How big does a Mayan cichlid get?
An adult Mayan cichlid reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).
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