Parachromis motaguensis

Parachromis motaguensis is a predatory cichlid that takes its name from the Motagua River in Guatemala. It belongs to the same genus as the jaguar cichlid and the wolf cichlid: with its long body, large mouth and protrusible jaw it hunts small fish. Its body has reddish–bronze tones and is decorated with dark spots and a broken horizontal band; the color intensifies with age in males. Males reach 30 cm, while females stay smaller.

• At least 450 liters and 150–180 cm of length for a single adult.
• Large rocks and roots; a wide open swimming area.
• A powerful canister filter or sump, a guarded heater and a sturdy lid.
• A 30–50% water change weekly.

Carnivorous. Make carnivore cichlid granules the staple; vary them with frozen shrimp, mysis, mussels and fish fillet. Live feeder fish are not recommended.

Territorial and aggressive; it sees any fish that fits in its mouth as prey. During breeding it attacks large fish too.

Good companions: only robust fish of its own size: large Central American cichlids, big plecos; in a very large aquarium.

Avoid: any fish smaller than itself, shrimp, snails, calm South American cichlids.