The Macaw Nicaraguense Cichlid is a spectacularly colored New World Cichlid hailing from Central American rivers and lakes of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. In addition to its vibrant coloration, another distinguishing characteristic of the Macaw Nicaraguense Cichlid is the dark line that runs lengthwise through the middle of the body punctuated by a prominent black splotch positioned midway.
The Macaw Nicaraguense Cichlid requires a minimum aquarium of 70 gallons or larger in size with a fine gravel bottom. Aquascape liberally with rocks, driftwood, or even terra cotta flowerpots to provide shelter and refuge. The Macaw Nicaraguense Cichlid is a peaceful fish that is rarely territorial or aggressive except towards conspecifics, especially during spawning. The Macaw Nicaraguense Cichlid can easily be kept with other peaceful cichlids such as Severums, Uarus and Jurpari.
Female Macaw Nicaraguense Cichlids are easy to sex since they will be smaller than males and exhibit more brilliant coloration, which is unusual for a member of the cichlid family. The larger Male Macaw Nicaraguense Cichlid are still very colorful, but take a backseat to the females. These attractive cichlids are substrate spawners and will deposit their eggs in sand depressions. Multiple females practice communal care after spawning and guard the nest area to keep egg-snatching intruders out.
What We Like About This Fish:
- Beautiful multi-coloration.
- Very hardy with plenty of personality
- Very manageable size for a cichlid
- Compatible with many other species in a spacious tank
- Potential to be a "centrepiece" fish
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
- Temperature: 71° - 79° F (22° - 26° C)
- pH: 7.0 - 8.0
- KH: 12-20 dKH
- Minimum tank size: 30 gallons for a pair
CARE GUIDELINES:
- Diet: Omnivore. A variety of high-quality dry, frozen, and live plant-based and meaty foods are necessary for optimal health and coloration.
- Social behaviour: Congregates loosely in groups. Can be territorial during spawning.