Black Belt Cichlid (Vieja maculicauda)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameVieja maculicauda

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asBlackbelt, Maculicauda

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentAggressive

DietOmnivore

Adult size14 in

Minimum tank size125 gallons

Water parametersTemp 75-82°F, pH 7.0-8.0, GH 8-25 dGH

Appearance

Deep-bodied cichlid named for the broad vertical black bar across its midbody; bluish-grey base with red flushing on chest and fins.

Difficulty and care for the Black Belt Cichlid

Moderate

Origin and habitat

Central America (Atlantic slope, Mexico to Panama)

Keeper notes

Territorial but often less relentlessly aggressive than midas/red devil; spawning pairs are very defensive.

Log Black Belt Cichlid in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Black Belt Cichlid alongside everything else in your reef.

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