Managuense Cichlid

A cichlid of increasing popularity, the Managuense cichlid used to be called Cichlasoma managuense but is now recognized as the Herichthys managuense. Originally found in Central America, nearly all specimens available today are farm raised. Sometimes called the Jaguar Cichlid, the Managuense can grow to over 11 inches and will require a large aquarium with excellent filtration and weekly partial water changes. These fish are very territorial and usually do not tolerate their own species. If you have a pair, they will form a strong pair bond, but otherwise, two or more will fight in the same aquarium. Like most New World Cichlids, the Managuense loves to dig in the gravel; so most ornamentation will be moved and/or torn up. Large rocks and driftwood can be used to create separate territories. It is difficult to sex these fish, adult males may have a point to their dorsal fin and be larger, but behavior is usually the best indicator. Males will constantly dig and defend their territory. They will usually have brighter coloring to the body. The Managuense has a silver-to-golden body color, with multiple brown spotting on the body and the fins. The net effect is to almost look like a crushed velvet painting, the scales lose definition among the color. The body color will become more intense as the fish matures. One of the larger cichlids, the Managuense will eat live foods and most prepared foods. It should be housed with other large, hardy fish that will not compete for territories.

Detailed information about this animal.