Care
The Pantano Cichlid is known from the Rio Tulija basin in south-eastern Mexico, and from northern Guatemala. Here it inhabits lakes and the lower river valleys, where it is found in the heavily vegetated marginal areas. This semi-aggressive species is best maintained as a compatible pair, and they should be provided with a mature aquarium that is at least 7ft long. Much larger quarters will be necessary if you wish to keep them alongside other fish. There should be a soft sandy substrate and numerous hiding places/visual barriers created amongst the decor from large pieces of driftwood and rocks/slate. Such structures should be made secure as adult Pantano Cichlids are more than capable of moving the décor around; bonding pieces of rock together with aquarium grade silicon sealant prior to filling the tank is sensible. All aquatic plants will be seen as food, so are best omitted from the aquascape, or else consider using plastic/silk varieties. Filtration should be very efficient (these fish are messy eaters) but water movement fairly gentle. This species is especially sensitive to the build-up of pollutants, so small frequent water changes are a must to help keep nitrogenous waste to a minimum. The Pantano Cichlid is relatively peaceful - as far as large Central American cichlids go - although it is still rather territorial, especially when breeding. Good tankmates include large armoured catfish, and sizeable barbs or characins that can tolerate harder water. Do not house with small fish or with any exceptionally aggressive species.
Feeding
The Pantano Cichlid is primarily vegetarian. Offer green flake, Spirulina based pellets/sticks, crushed algae wafers etc, with the occasional addition of fresh vegetable matter such as courgette, cucumber, kale, spinach etc. Other, meatier foods will be taken, but it is important to ensure that these fish receive a diet that is mainly vegetable based. Although Pantano Cichlids attain a large size, they retain a small mouth into adulthood, so pellet foods should be appropriately sized for them.
Breeding
Bi-parental substrate spawner. Prior to spawning, the colouration of the fish will intensify and they will choose and clean a suitable spawning site - usually a flat rock or a depression dug in the substrate. Several hundred eggs will be deposited/fertilised, and the female takes on primary brood care, whilst the male patrols the general perimeter. The eggs should hatch within 3-4 days, and the fry should be free-swimming just a few days later. Offer them baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) and crushed green flake, moving on to larger foodstuffs as they grow. Both male and female exhibit excellent parental care.
