Blackbelt Cichlid

The blackbelt cichlid is a large species spread over a wide area of Central America's Atlantic slope. A thick black belt runs across the middle of its silver–gray or bluish body; the head, throat and fins are in red–pink tones. Males reach 30 cm and develop a nuchal hump with age. It is a hardy fish that can also enter slightly brackish waters; most of its food is plant matter and detritus.

• At least 450 liters and 180 cm of length for a single adult or a pair.
• Large, sturdy rocks and roots; plants are eaten or uprooted.
• A powerful canister filter or sump; a 30–50% water change weekly.
• Moderately hard, alkaline water.

An omnivore leaning toward plant matter. Make granules containing spirulina or vegetables the staple; offer blanched peas, spinach and zucchini, and limit protein foods to a few times a week.

Usually calm for its size, but it becomes tougher during breeding and toward its own kind. It may eat small fish that fit in its mouth.

Good companions: large cichlids of similar size (redhead cichlid, Texas cichlid), large plecos, silver dollars; all in a very large aquarium.

Avoid: small fish, shrimp, planted layouts, very aggressive predatory cichlids.