TankBud

Tailbar cichlid

Vieja hartwegi

Also known as Hartweg's cichlid, Great tailbar cichlid, Paraneetroplus hartwegi

FreshwaterFish

Tailbar cichlid (Vieja hartwegi)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
75–82°F
24–28°C
pH
7.0–8.0
Adult size
11 in
28 cm
Minimum tank
92 gal
350 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Grijalva River system of Chiapas, Mexico, and Guatemala, over rock in rivers, with a distinct fast-water form.

Overview

A single adult or pair needs a tank of at least 350 liters at 24 to 28 C and pH 7.0 to 8.0. Provide rockwork and sturdy decor. Feed a varied diet of pellets, frozen foods, and vegetable matter. It is more manageable than many large Central Americans but still territorial when breeding.

In the wild

The tailbar cichlid lives in the Grijalva River system of Chiapas, Mexico, and Guatemala. It occupies rocky rivers and has a distinct fast-water form built for current. This is a large, deep-bodied cichlid. Provide rockwork, open swimming space, and a large tank.

Good to know

Vieja hartwegi was described by Taylor and Miller in 1980 and reaches around 28 cm. Males develop dense red spangling over the body. A 2018 study documented a slender fast-water form that lacks the mid-body band, showing how variable the species is.

Did you know

It is named for the dark bar at the base of the tail, and river fish from fast water look noticeably slimmer than pond fish.

Common questions

What size tank does a Tailbar cichlid need?

A Tailbar cichlid needs at least 92 gal (350 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Tailbar cichlid need?

A Tailbar cichlid is comfortable at 75–82°F (24–28°C) with a pH of 7.0–8.0.

How big does a Tailbar cichlid get?

An adult Tailbar cichlid reaches about 11 in (28 cm).

Related species