Black Belt Cichlid
Black Belt Cichlid
Black Belt Cichlid (Vieja maculicauda) is a large and impressive Central American cichlid with a distinctive bold black patch or 'belt' on the mid-flanks against a warm silver to golden body. Males develop vivid coloration with pink to red throat and lower body during breeding condition.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold makes an excellent primary staple — Hikari Micro Pellets as backup. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms or Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp. Feed 2–3 times daily in amounts consumed within a few minutes.
Native to Atlantic slope rivers of Central America — Belize, Guatemala, Honduras. Central American cichlids generally prefer hard, alkaline water — quite different from the soft acidic conditions preferred by most South American cichlids.
Keep as a bonded pair or with other large, similarly aggressive Central American cichlids. Flat surface spawners with devoted biparental care.
Central American cichlids are rewarding and long-lived aquarium residents for experienced cichlid keepers.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate — Advanced |
| Temperament | Aggressive — large Central American cichlid |
| Typical Adult Size | 14 inches (35 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Bonded pair — species or Central American community |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 8–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 4–12 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold; Hikari Micro Pellets |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Atlantic slope rivers of Central America — Belize, Guatemala, Honduras |
| Notes | Bold black belt marking on flanks. Males develop vivid pink-red lower body when breeding. Large species — 75+ gallon minimum. Central American specialist. |
