Redhead Cichlid

Care at a glance

Overview

The redhead cichlid is a very large Central American cichlid with a big personality and a strong territorial streak, so it needs a lot of space. It can be kept as a single fish, as a pair, or as a group in a very large tank where the aggression is spread among several fish and no one individual is targeted. Tankmates should be other large, robust cichlids and catfish that can stand up to it, never small or timid fish. Expect plenty of digging, so use a sandy floor and heavy, stable rockwork and leave delicate decor and plants out. It is a mostly herbivorous omnivore, so feed a cichlid pellet with good vegetable content plus occasional frozen and fresh foods. Plan for at least 285 liters, and a much larger tank if keeping a group of adults.

In the wild

The redhead cichlid comes from the Atlantic slope of southern Mexico, Belize and Guatemala, living in warm rivers, lakes and lagoons, including the Usumacinta basin. The water is neutral to hard, so aim for a pH of 6.5 to 8.0 and a temperature of 25 to 28 C. A big, open tank with a sandy floor, large rounded rocks and sturdy wood suits it best, arranged to create clear territories and stable structures that will not collapse when the fish digs. Rooted plants are usually dug up, so keep the planting minimal and tough or leave it out.

Good to know

Vieja melanurus is a member of the cichlid family, Cichlidae, and is one of the larger Central American cichlids, with males reaching around 35 to 37 cm and developing a pronounced nuchal hump. It is often sold under the older name synspilum. Mature fish are boldly colored, with an orange to red head and a body washed in green, blue and gold, set off by a dark mark near the tail. It is a substrate spawner that cleans a flat surface and guards its eggs and fry as a pair, and reaching full breeding size takes a large tank and time.

Did you know

As it matures the redhead cichlid develops a vivid orange to pinkish-red head and forehead hump that stand out against a green and gold body. This bold coloring, which brightens further at spawning time, is the reason for both its common name and its popularity.

Related species

• 

  Blackbelt Cichlid

  Vieja maculicauda

  12.6 in (32 cm)66 gal (250 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)
• Tailbar cichlid

  Vieja hartwegi

  11 in (28 cm)92 gal (350 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)

• 

  Midas Cichlid

  Amphilophus citrinellus

  13.8 in (35 cm)79 gal (300 L)70–79°F (21–26°C)

• 

  Oscar

  Astronotus ocellatus

  13.8 in (35 cm)95 gal (360 L)68–82°F (20–28°C)

• 

  Red devil cichlid

  Amphilophus labiatus

  13.8 in (35 cm)75 gal (284 L)75–79°F (24–26°C)
• Trimac cichlid

  Amphilophus trimaculatus

  13.8 in (35 cm)90 gal (340 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)