Care
The Fenestratum Cichlid is known from the Chachalacas River basin to the Papaloapan River in south-eastern Mexico. Here they inhabit lakes and the lower reaches of rivers, preferring mesotrophic waters with a muddy or sandy substrate. Due to the large adult size of this fish (girth as well as length!), an aquarium measuring 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. Excellent 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 decor 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. 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 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 Blackstripe Cichlid or Window Cichlid.
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. At this time, their usual colouration will fade dramatically, revealing a distinctive black and white pattern with bright red-tipped finnage. Over 1000 eggs will be laid/fertilised, and these can be expected to hatch within 48-72 hours. The parents will 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 of juvenile fish, as they can quickly overwhelm an aquarium.
