Care
The beautiful Black Belt Cichlid is a hardy, but aggressive species. Juveniles may be grown on in a 4ft tank, but adults will require more space (a 6" x2" x 2" is recommended). When housing more than one adult in the same tank, it is best to source a compatible pair. Newcomers of the same species will not be tolerated by the established fish, so it is not recommended to add more at a later date. Black Belt Cichlids can usually be kept alongside other large central American species that can handle themselves; small, placid tankmates are definitely not advised. In the wild this species has a wide distribution area, and so geographical colour variations do occur. Although a river dwelling species, the Black Belt Cichlid tends to move into the lower river valleys where the current is more sluggish. Submerged tree roots along the banks provide them with shelter. When aquascaping the tank to create these conditions, ensure that any bogwood and rocks are stable, as these fish are capable of moving decor around. If plants are desired, plastic or silk varieties will have to be used, as anything green and leafy will be regarded as food. Although this species will adapt to a wide range of water conditions, they will be at their best in hard water with low nitrates - which means plenty of large water changes. Other Central American cichlids of a similar temperament make good tankmates in aquaria large enough to provide adequate territory but fast moving shoaling species will often be a better option. Once paired and spawning, expect aggression towards the other fish.
Feeding
The diet must contain a large component of vegetable matter e.g. spinach, lettuce, kale, cucumber, shelled peas etc. Alternate this with slow sinking pellet/granular foods, large flakes, and frozen foods such as brineshrimp, mosquito larvae, Mysis shrimp, krill etc. Will eat plants!
Breeding
These fish will become very aggressive when pairing up to spawn, so be prepared to separate any other fish from them. The pair will clean a suitable spawning site, such as a flat piece of slate, and upwards of 500 eggs will be deposited upon it. The parents will vigorously defend this site from any possible predators and the eggs can be expected to hatch after 48-72 hours. At this time, the parent fish will move the fry to previously dug pits in the substrate, and after a further week, they will become free swimming.
