Care
The Mayan Cichlid has a wide distribution across eastern Central America. Here it inhabits freshwater marshes, the slower reaches of rivers, and is sometimes also found in brackish mangrove swamps and coastal lagoons. Due to the large adult size of this fish (girth as well as length), an aquarium measuring at least 6"™ x 2"™ x 2"™ is required. A group of youngsters can be grown on in a 4ft tank, but in most cases they will eventually require separating into compatible pairs and rehoming into larger quarters. Powerful filtration should be provided at all times and partial water changes carried out 2 or 3 times per week. The tank itself should have a substrate of sand or small rounded gravel. Bogwood and rocks/slate can be used to create sheltered areas, but these should be made secure as these cichlids are more than capable of moving décor around. Bonding pieces of rock together with aquarium grade silicon sealant prior to filling the tank is sensible. Plants are usually eaten or uprooted, but some aquarists have had success with well-rooted, established hardy motherplants which have had sturdy rocks placed around the stems to prevent uprooting, or else choose varieties such as Anubias sp. and Java Fern which can be tied to and cultivated on the decor. If this fails and plants are still desired, plastic or silk varieties will be the way to go. This is an aggressive species which is best maintained as an established male-female pair. They are intolerant of their own kind, but can usually be combined with other robust cichlids, if the aquarium is spacious. Not to be kept with small fish. Other Central/South American cichlids of a similar size and temperament make great tankmates, as do large armoured catfish. However, if breeding does occur, expect aggression towards the other fish and be prepared to separate them with a tank divider or move the other fish to another aquarium for their own safety. May also be seen on sale as the Mexican Mojarra.
Feeding
Omnivorous. This species requires a balanced diet in order to retain good colours. Slow sinking pellets & wafers, frozen foods such as mosquito larvae, Spirulina/vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, krill, chopped cockle, chopped mussel meat and prawns will all be taken with much enthusiasm. Be sure to provide a vegetable component to the diet, such as spinach, kale, lettuce and cucumber.
Breeding
Prior to spawning, the pair will begin cleaning a potential spawning site, such as a flat piece of slate or a depression made in the substrate. Depending on the size of the female, 500-6000 eggs will be deposited/fertilised. The parents will fiercely protect the young, which are free-swimming after a week or so. A bonded pair will reproduce on a regular basis, and always in large numbers. Therefore, it is important to have a homing plan in place for (potentially) hundreds, if not thousands, of juvenile fish - as they can quickly overwhelm an aquarium. Parental care continues for 4-6 weeks.
