Black Belt Cichlid (Vieja maculicauda)

About the Black Belt Cichlid

Black Belt Cichlids (Vieja maculicauda) are large cichlids native to Central America, including Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. They are primarily herbivorous and should not be fed a diet high in animal protein, but they will readily accept most prepared foods in the aquarium. Tanks should be furnished with rocks and driftwood; plants are likely to be torn up or moved. These fish prefer lower lighting conditions, so adding fast growing floating plants may be beneficial to add including Hornwort, Brazilian Pennywort, and Guppy Grass.

Husbandry & Care

Temperament: Aggressive

Minimum Tank Size: 60 Gallons

Water Temperature: 72-81 °F

Water pH: 6.0-8.0

Social Group: Solitary, if no intention on breeding.

Diet: Herbivorous; Spirulina Flakes, Blanched Vegetables (Spinach, Zucchini), Algae. Supplement with Frozen Brine Shrimp/Bloodworms

Compatible with: Similarly sized, aggressive New World Cichlids